Hives (Urticaria): Causes


 Since hives (urticaria) can be caused by lots of different things, or in some cases a combination of things, it is often challenging to pin down an exact cause. However, the following may be contributing to the hives:

  • Allergic reaction to certain types of food, such as milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

  • Allergic reaction to certain types of medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics, aspirin, and sulfa drugs.

  • Allergic reaction to insect stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets or fire-ants.

  • Eating a particular food and then exercising can cause exercise-induced hives.

  • Allergic reactions due to items through occupational contact such as cow dander, natural rubber latex, flour, grains, feeds, enzymes, and a variety of plant and animal species and physical factors such as stress, trauma, pressure, friction, and vibration.

  • Underlying diseases, such as thyroid disease, hepatitis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) or some types of cancer; although this is much less common.
  • Environmental and behavioral factors such as stress, exercise, sun, heat or alcohol can make hives worse.



More Hives (Urticaria) Information

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