Hives are an extremely uncomfortable and itchy skin reaction caused by mast cells being stimulated and releasing histamine into the body. They can occur virtually anywhere on the body. Hives appear as raised red or white bumps on the skin and can be anywhere from a small dot to a large wheal several inches in diameter. Hives can occur occasionally or chronically and often do not need further treatment as they resolve themselves after a few hours to a few days. If hives persist past a few days, it is recommended that a doctor be consulted especially if the symptoms worsen.

People who suffer from hives can get relief from symptoms by taking over-the-counter antihistamines, wearing loose fitting clothing, taking a cool bath or using a cold compress on the affected skin regions. However, if symptoms do not resolve further action can be taken. In fact, doctors can prescribe stronger medication such as steroids that help in the alleviation of symptoms. Finally, a doctor should be consulted if breathing becomes labored or a person experiences loss of consciousness. In severe cases where anaphylactic shock accompanies the hives, the affected person will need a dosage of epinephrine to counteract the allergic reaction or the attack could be fatal. Emergency room visits and follow-up with a doctor are typical courses of action for people who have such severe allergic reactions.

For the most part, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to something. Common initiators of allergic reactions include food, medications, and environmental sources. Bacterial and viral infections can cause hives as well. Stress can also weaken the immune system and result in hives. It has been recommended that those who struggle with hives document and avoid triggers. This can help a person determine which if any food groups or environmental sources are causing these painful symptoms. In some cases, hives that are chronic (lasting many months) and are recurring can be indicative of a deeper autoimmune disease. Only a doctor can diagnosis a condition like this but any documentation that a patient does can aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Often testing can uncover the source of the allergic reaction if hives are coming from an allergenic response. This involves consulting an allergist who can test a patient for common allergens. This testing can range from a few minutes to a few hours and may/may not be covered by insurance.

Hives occur more often in females than in males. Although there is not much documentation since hives often resolve themselves in a few hours, it is thought that at least 20% of the general population will experience hives at some point in their lives. Anyone can get hives at any point in their lives. They are not contagious so isolation or exclusion of the patient is not necessary.

There is another condition that affects the tissue under the skins and occurs in combination with hives or alone. It is called angioedema. This may be genetically transmitted or can be acquired and often occurs in the facial or genital area. The symptoms can be much more serious and do not always involve hives although they can occur together. Both hives and angioedema are uncomfortable and should be monitored to assure that they resolve. When the airways are affected for either, medical attention is required.