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.