Hives Causes

By: Stephen Thiele

Break Studios Contributing Writer

Looking for information on hives causes? When you get hives, you will notice red welts on your skin that are generally itchy. The welts, which are almost always raised, can range in size from small to large and can be located anywhere on your body. Generally speaking, hives are absolutely harmless and will go away on their own. If you have any concerns over your hives, you can visit your primary care doctor, who will likely recommend that you take an antihistamine medication to treat the hives.

  1. Foods. One of the most common hives causes is an allergic reaction to a certain type of food. The most common foods that cause hives include eggs, fish, milk, tree nuts, shellfish and peanuts.
  2. Medications. If you take a medication and develop hives, it is likely because you are allergic to one or more of the active ingredients in that medication. Although any medication can trigger an allergic reaction that causes hives, some of the most common include aspirin, naproxen and penicillin.
  3. Environmental factors. There are certain environmental factors that can cause histamine to be released in some people's bodies. When that happens, it is possible that you may develop hives. A few environmental factors that can stimulate the release of histamine include exercise, hot and cold weather, water and the sun.
  4. Dermatographia. If you aren't sure what dermatographia means, it is simply the medical term for skin writing. Basically, if you are someone that scratches your skin often, you may notice raised red lines on your skin. By excessively scratching your skin, you can cause hives to develop.
Posted on: Mar. 24, 2011