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What Are the Causes of Uticaria?

Urticaria, or hives as it is more commonly known, is a skin condition characterized by itchy, red bumps that can develop anywhere on the body and sometimes cover the entire body. Urticaria are an immune system response that occur when cells release histamine. They are easily treated with antihistamine medications, both oral and topical varieties. A bout of urticaria typically lasts anywhere from just a couple of hours to about a day, and once they disappear they typically leave no signs that they were there.

  1. Environmental Allergens

    • Exposure to environmental allergens such as fungus, pollen and animal dander has been known to cause urticaria in some allergic individuals. In these cases, the hives typically disappear shortly after the allergen is removed from the environment.

    Food Allergens

    • Urticaria occurs frequently in people with food allergies who accidentally ingest a product containing the allergen. In some cases the hives develop as part of a condition called anaphylactic shock, which requires emergency medical treatment. Common food allergens that can cause hives include milk, egg and peanuts, although many foods can cause the condition.

    Medications

    • Certain medications are known to cause allergic reactions, especially antibiotics and sulfa drugs. In some people, an allergic reaction will include urticaria and may possibly lead to anaphylaxis.

    Insect Bites and Stings

    • Urticaria sometimes are the result of a bee sting or other insect bites because of an allergy in the affected person. Similar to other allergic reactions, the hives may only be one part of the reaction after an insect sting or bite. In some people this can cause a dangerous reaction.

    Stress

    • In cases where people continue to develop hives and no obvious reason can be found, doctors often will try to determine if stress may be playing a role.

    Unknown Cause

    • Although urticaria frequently can be traced to an exposure to an allergen or other irritant, many people experience hives for no known reason. Although this can be bothersome, hives in general do not present any particular health risks and almost always resolve on their own even without treatment.

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