Hives are a fairly common medical condition that occur when a person's skin breaks out into red, itchy, raised blotches that look somewhat like insect bites. In cases of a mild reaction, hives may only cover a small area and be slightly itchy. However, in more severe instances, they can cover large portions of the body and cause patients significant pain.
It's important to note that hives are an immune system response to some underlying condition—most commonly an allergic reaction. However, there are some scenarios in which they develop because of reasons not related to allergies, such as a rise in body temperature or exposure to a stressful situation. Here is a look at five of the most prevalent causes of hives.
Medication
It's not uncommon for people to develop allergies to antibiotics like sulfa drugs or penicillin. However, anyone can become allergic to just about any drug, even those sold over the counter, like aspirin. If a reaction becomes evident, it should be reported to a doctor immediately, as a serious hives breakout may be life-threatening.
Foods
Peanuts, eggs, shellfish, and chocolate are among the most common food allergies, but there are plenty of other products that can cause people to develop a case of hives. Sometimes just the whiff of an allergenic food can create problems for particularly sensitive individuals. If there is any question about whether someone is allergic to a food or not, it's best to seek advice from a doctor about allergy testing to find out for sure.
Insects
Some people are allergic to the venom of certain insects and may break out in hives if stung or bitten. If a person has a history of severe reactions to insects, it's best to avoid areas where nests may be unintentionally bothered, which could irritate the insects and cause them to sting him or her.
Cosmetics
Some hair dyes, especially those that contain p-Phenylenediamine (or PPD), a popular ingredient in dark hair dyes, can cause people to become sensitized and develop hives over a period of time. Some brands of makeup can have the same effect, so it's important to test new products on a small patch of skin before applying them across the entire face.
Industrial Chemicals
Working with industrial chemicals or synthetic substances may give hives to some people. If the tell-tale skin splotches and itchiness are noted, the worker should contact his or her doctor to determine whether a true allergy exists. If it does, workplace adjustments may be needed to prevent hives in the future.
