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Hives is an allergic skin condition that can be caused by bug bites, infections, or just working out. Most insect stings and bites cause some kind of redness, swelling, or itching. Sometimes, they bring more than a small bump. Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. This swelling can vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques. They can last for hours, or up to several days before fading.

Hives: Infections

Watch out for hives when you have bacterial or viral problems, such as:

• Hepatitis
• HIV
• Cytomegalovirus
• Epstein-Barr virus

Even the common cold can sometimes set off a hive reaction.

Hives: Scratching

Take your nail and firmly (but not too firmly) scratch a line into your skin. If the raised mark it makes sticks around for half an hour, you’ve got something your doctor may call dermatographism. It’s hives that pop up from rubbing or scratching your skin.

Hives: Working Out

When you exercise, your temperature goes up. Warm, flushed skin is the perfect host for a hive party.

Hives: Stress

When you’re under pressure, your hormones surge. That puts your body into something called fight-or-flight mode. It can set off a host of reactions, including hives.

Alcohol

Did you know you could be allergic to alcohol? Alcohol intolerance can cause a flushed face, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hives.

Foods

What you eat is important.  Things like shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, certain fruits, and milk are all common culprits.

Medications

Just about any drug can cause it. You could see red, itchy welts after doses of:

• Penicillin
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Blood pressure meds

A Tight Squeeze

Squeezed skin can bring welts called pressure hives. Any kind of force can cause them, including:

• A heavy backpack on your shoulder
• A waistband with no give
• Sitting in a hard chair for too long

Sunshine

It’s rare, but you can be allergic to sunlight. When this reaction happens, you get it only on the parts of your skin the sun has touched.

Heat

Warmth. Anything that makes you hot can be a trigger, like:

• Hot baths
• Blushing
• Sunburn

If your temperature’s up, the welts can come out.

Cold

Any contact with lower temperatures — from a blast of winter air to a dip in a pool can bring on your rash.

Autoimmune Disease

Often, hives happen because your immune system is too active. Your body’s defenses attack normal tissue, and you get a breakout.

Latex

Disposable gloves, bandages, condoms, pacifiers, balloons, and shoes. The list of things made of latex is long. Everything on it can cause hives, if you’re allergic. Usually, it’s the protein in natural-rubber latex that riles things up.

Pets

Dander can drum up it quickly. So can saliva from cats and dogs. If you notice red welts after petting or playing with a furry friend, your playmate is probably the cause of your blotches.

Conclusion

Watch this video to learn of several ways to get rid of hives: