Urticaria, more commonly known as hives, is an allergic skin condition characterized by extremely itchy, red wheals that range in size from tiny spots to plate-size welts. Hives can suddenly appear anywhere on the body and last for 24 hours to a few days, though chronic hives may last for weeks or even years. The most common treatment for hives is over-the-counter topical antihistamine creams.
Food Allergies
Allergic reaction to food is the most common cause of hives, with common culprits being shellfish, fish, eggs, milk and nuts. Food additives such as salicylates and sulfites can also cause hives in some people. Initially, a person with food allergies may experience itching on the tongue or inside of mouth, or swelling of the lips and mouth. Hives may then follow within minutes to hours after exposure.
Drug Allergy
Antibiotics and pain-relievers such as aspirin, penicillin and ibuprofen can elicit allergic reactions like hives and swelling in some people. Other drugs such as codeine, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also trigger hives; NSAIDs may also trigger life-threatening swelling of the tongue or throat that can block airways. Blood pressure drugs such as ACE inhibitors may cause recurrent episodes of angioedema in some people, which may lead to hives.
Latex Allergy
Latex products such as gloves, balloons, baby bottle nipples and surgical masks may cause contact urticaria if enough latex chemicals penetrate into the skin. Children with a spinal disorder called spina bifida, those who have had multiple surgeries, and adults working in the healthcare industry are most at risk for developing hives and other skin allergies due to latex.
Insect Allergy
Stings from insects such as bee, yellow jacket, hornet and fire ants can cause mild hives and swelling in people with insect allergies. The hives usually subside in a few hours. However, insect allergies can also cause a serious life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that involves severe itchiness, hives and swelling all over the body, along with difficulty breathing, possible fainting and rapid pulse rates. Anaphylaxis requires emergency medical treatment.
