Most Common Causes for Hives or Urticaria

What causes hives? This was the question on my mind as I watched my Aunt suffer with Hives. For her, hives causes frustration and embarrassment as is the case for many. For her family and friends it was painful to watch her suffer a sudden outbreak of red splotches that made her itch.

She never knew when she would break out in hives or where they would appear. Sometimes they appeared in small patches on her throat or face. From those she spoke to who experienced similar symptoms hives causes redness on the ears as well, and can appear on your tongue and lips.

Her doctor said that hives or Urticaria as the condition is referred to in the medical field, are often caused by a change in our immune system. He told her that histamine, a chemical released in our skin results in hives when we are allergic to chemicals in foods such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, and chocolate. The latter really disappointed her since she loved chocolate.

Another concern for those suffering from hives are the medications they have been prescribed. Among the medications related to hive causes that her doctor mentioned are aspirin, codeine, penicillin and anticonvulsant drugs. She was taking aspirin as a health precaution and decided to stop temporarily until she and her doctor could find the cause of her hives.

He also explained hives causes can be related insect bites or stings. One of the hives causes the doctor did mention made my Aunt reconsider her plans for a trip to Florida. He mentioned that over exposure to sunlight and extreme heat can also cause hives, especially when we sweat or wear tight clothing. Other than occasionally applying sunscreen, she never really took precautions to protect her skin. It made sense though since she found herself exercising more on vacation, which made her sweat more.

As we found out there are many hives causes, and the trick is working with your doctor to narrow down the triggers. Stress is a common hives cause, as well as certain medical conditions like viral infections, leukemia, and autoimmune diseases like lupus. The most popular treatment for hives is antihistamines prescribed by your doctor to help provide relief from symptoms.

To help find the hives causes her doctor gave her list of some of the most common causes for hives or Urticaria. These hives causes included, but are not limited to:

• A change in our immune system
• Allergies to chemicals in foods - nuts, shellfish, eggs, and chocolate
• Environmental Allergies – pollen, pet dander, harsh detergents, lotions or soaps
• Side effects of medications - aspirin, codeine, penicillin and anticonvulsant drugs
• Reactions to outside sources - insect bites or stings, sunlight, heat
• Emotional factors – emotional stress, nervousness
• Medical conditions - viral infections, leukemia, and autoimmune diseases like lupus

The hardest part of finding the hives causes was the time it took her. Overtime, she found that most of her symptoms were related to stress. She’s always been a bit high strung, and after learning some relaxation techniques it helped tremendously. She also found that she breaks out less in hives while on vacation when it is really hot in Florida because she takes breaks and keeps cool. And, she’s not allergic to chocolate!

If you are experiencing similar symptoms consult with your doctor who can explain what the most common causes for hives or Urticaria. He or she can also help you find the hives causes in your life that may be triggering your reaction.