They are one way the body responds to an allergen or trigger.
Reactions can be uncomfortable but arent typically serious and resolve on their own.
Most people find relief withallergy medications.
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What Do Hives Look Like?
Hives appearas raised welts (also called welts or wheals) on the skin.
They appear slightly raised above the skin and may be skin-colored.
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Erythema is when blood flows to the surface blood vessels or capillaries, resulting in temporary skin discoloration.
Skin swelling orangioedemacan also occur with hives.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Te Whatu Oradermnetnz.org2023.
Determining if you have hives can be done with testing and diagnosis.
Estimates show about half of people who have chronic hives never learn the cause.
Experts recommend the following methods:
Other treatment approaches may be necessary.
This is an immune system response resulting in swelling, itching, and other symptoms of hives.
Physical Triggers
Physical triggers that have nothing to do with allergies can also cause hives.
Physical triggers include:
Infection
Infections can also trigger an immune system resulting in hives.
The conditions associated with hives includelupusand other autoimmune diseases, andleukemia.
Chronic Hives
With chronic hives, its even more difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.
Experts suggest anautoimmune causeis likely, but more research is needed to better understand the connection.
Chronic hives are associated with autoimmune disorders, but also:
Can They Spread or Reappear?
Hives can spread on your body, but they do not spread to other people.
This means you cannot catch hives or give them to someone else.
Hives are not contagious.Hives can reappear later.
Summary
Hives are little bumps because of an immune system reaction.
They can be short-term or chronic, and typically resolve on their own.
Relief can be found from medications, anti-itch products, and at-home remedies.
Avoiding triggers is a way to prevent hives.
Some reactions can be serious.
When in doubt, consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What are hives?
