Urticaria hives, or more commonly known as hives, are raised, red, itchy skin rashes that appear suddenly and can last for several hours or days. While hives can be caused by a variety of triggers, the most common cause is an allergic reaction. The most common allergens that cause hives include foods, medications, and insect stings. Other potential triggers include environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, and stress.
Allergic Reactions and Hives
The most common cause of hives is an allergic reaction to a substance, such as a food, medication, or insect sting. When the body encounters an allergen, it produces a chemical called histamine which causes the hives to form. Allergens can enter the body by ingestion, inhalation, or direct contact.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are the most common cause of hives. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. When the body encounters one of these allergens, it triggers an immune response that causes the release of histamine, resulting in the formation of hives.
Medication Allergies
Medication allergies can also cause hives. Common medications that cause hives include antibiotics, such as penicillin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, the hives may develop slowly over several days after taking the medication.
Insect Stings
Certain types of insects, such as bees, wasps, and hornets, can cause an allergic reaction when they sting. The body reacts to the venom in the sting by releasing histamine, resulting in the formation of hives.
Environmental Factors
In some cases, hives can be caused by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, cold, and stress. These factors can cause the body to release histamine, resulting in the formation of hives.
Conclusion
Urticaria hives, or hives, are raised, red, itchy skin rashes that appear suddenly and can last for several hours or days. The most common cause of hives is an allergic reaction to a substance, such as a food, medication, or insect sting. Other potential triggers include environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, and stress.