Hives (Urticaria): Types

Chronic hives can be caused by both allergic and non-allergic processes. Uncovering the source or types of chronic urticaria is of critical importance for effective management of this condition. Though not life-threatening in and of themselves, hives can be a serious, debilitating nuisance. Hives can also accompany anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. These are the two types of hives:

• Allergic Hives (Urticaria): This is a hypersensitivity disease that results when the immune system mistakenly overreacts to something that is otherwise harmless, otherwise known as an allergen such as a food or drug.

• Physical Hives (Urticaria): In other cases, the cause of the hives is some physical stimulus such as cold, heat, sunlight, water, pressure, or vibration.

This information has been approved by Rohit Katial, MD (March 2009).