The Causes of Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that is characterized by red and itchy raised bumps or welts on the skin. Hives can range from mild to severe and can last anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks. The exact cause of hives is often unknown, but there are certain triggers that can lead to an outbreak.

Common Causes of Hives

1. Allergies: One of the most common causes of hives is an allergic reaction to something in the environment such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, foods or medications. Allergic reactions occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to something it perceives as a threat and releases histamine which causes inflammation and itching on the skin in the form of hives.

2. Stress: Stress has been linked to outbreaks of hives due to its effect on hormones in the body which can lead to an increase in histamine production in response to stressors like anxiety or fear.

3. Infections: Certain infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections have been known to cause hives due to their effect on hormones released by the immune system which leads to increased histamine production and inflammation on the skin surface resulting in hives.

4. Heat: Heat exposure can also trigger an outbreak of hives due either directly from heat exposure or indirectly from sweat that irritates already sensitive skin leading to an increase in histamine production and resulting rash formation known as heat rash or cholinergic urticaria (hive-like bumps).

5 Physical Stimuli: Physical stimuli such as pressure applied directly onto your skin, cold temperatures, sun exposure, vibration (such as when using certain power tools), water contact (such as swimming) have all been known causes for hive outbreaks due their effects on hormone release by your immune system leading again increased histamine production and resulting rash formation known as physical urticaria (hive-like bumps).

6 Autoimmune Disorders: Certain autoimmune disorders like lupus have been linked with outbreaks of hives because they interfere with normal hormone regulation within your body which leads again increased histamine production resulting in hive formation

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. Hives, Urticaria, Skin Condition, Allergies, Stress, Infections, Heat, Physical Stimuli, Autoimmune Disorders,

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