Self Care Articles

Is this your symptom?

• A very itchy rash made up of raised pink bumps
• Hives vary in shape and size

Symptoms of Hives

• Raised pink bumps with pale centers (welts)
• Hives look like mosquito bites
• Sizes of hives vary from ½ inch (12 mm) to several inches (cm) across
• Shapes and location of hives can be different. They can also change often.
• Itchy rash

Causes of Widespread Hives

• Viral Infection. The most common cause of hives all over the body is a viral infection. Other symptoms such as a fever, cough or diarrhea are also present. The hives may last 3 days. This is not an allergy.
• Bacterial Infection. Some bacterial infections can also cause hives. A common example is Strep. Hives are also seen with bladder or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Drug Reaction. An example is a penicillin rash. Most rashes that start while taking an antibiotic are viral rashes. Allergy tests are normal 90% of the time. Only 10% turn out to be a drug allergy.
• Food Reaction. May be an allergy or a coincidence. If it is a high risk food (such as peanuts), consult an allergist. Hives from foods usually resolve in 6 hours. Hives from infections last for days. Only 3% of hives are due to a food.
• Bee Sting. Widespread hives after a sting may be part of a serious allergic reaction. Need to consult an allergist.
• Anaphylactic Reaction (very serious). The sudden start of hives with trouble breathing or swallowing. This is a severe allergic reaction to a food or drug. Most often begins within 30 minutes of swallowing the substance; always within 2 hours of exposure. It can happen even if you have had that food or drug before and did not have a reaction then. Call 911 right away.
• Unknown. More than 30% of the time, the cause of hives is not found.

Causes of Localized Hives

• Irritants. Hives just in one area of the body are usually due to skin contact with an irritant. They are not an allergy.
• Plants. Many plants cause skin reactions. Sap from evergreens can cause local hives.
• Pollen. Laying in the grass can cause hives on exposed skin.
• Pet Saliva. Some people get hives where a dog or cat has licked them.
• Food. Some people get hives if a food is in contact with their skin. An example could be a fresh fruit.
• Insect Bite. Local hives are a reaction to the insect's saliva. Can be very large without being an allergy.
• Bee Sting. This is a reaction to the bee's venom. Can be very large without being an allergy.
• Localized hives are not caused by drugs, infections or swallowed foods. These get into the bloodstream and cause widespread hives.