The most common autoimmune conditions seen with hives include thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes.
Bacterial infections (such as urinary tract infections and strep throat) and viral infections (such as hepatitis and norovirus, a common cause of stomach “flu”) were also found to be triggers of chronic hives.
Scientists are continually learning more about the role of the immune system in chronic hives. What is clear is that hives are a result of your immune system activating mast cells, which are the cells that release histamines and other chemicals into the skin to cause the red, itchy bumps.
Autoimmune rashes can look like scaly red patches, purplish bumps, or more. The appearance of autoimmune rashes will be different, depending on which autoimmune condition is triggering the skin rash. What is this? For example, cutaneous lupus may cause a scaly red patch that does not hurt or itch.
A tell-tale sign of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other common skin problems include sensitivity to the sun with flaky, red spots or a scaly, purple rash on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, and arms. Some people also develop mouth sores.
People with certain autoimmune diseases are more prone to chronic hives. But often, the cause of chronic hives is unknown. Antihistamines, steroids and immunosuppressants can soothe the hives.
It could be from an allergen, or some sort of an allergy that you have. It could be from a hormonal change. And it even could be emotional in some situations. Chronic hives occur almost daily for more than six weeks and are typically itchy.
Hives can also be a sign of a bacterial infection like a urinary tract infection or strep throat. While most bacterial infections are not life-threatening, they can become serious if left untreated.
An allergic reaction usually triggers hives, but they can also be caused by other situations such as stress, anxiety, or exercise. Hives are a reaction to the release of mast cells into the bloodstream, which unleashes the chemical histamine.
the rash is spreading. hives keeps coming back (you may be allergic to something) you also have a high temperature and feel unwell. you also have swelling under your skin (this might be angioedema)
Likewise, urticaria can be associated with malignant neoplasms such as lymphoma, leukemia and ovarian carcinoma[28].
Other triggers include exercise, vibration, latex, pet dander, friction, or coming into contact with certain plants. Sometimes, hives are idiopathic in nature, meaning there is no known cause. Keeping a daily food, medicine, and activity journal may help you recognize your specific hive triggers.
About one-half of people with chronic hives have an underlying immune condition, such as Hashomito's disease or hypothyroidism. However, many people do not have an underlying condition or do not ever find the cause.
Influenza, mononucleosis (“mono”), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the common cold, urinary tract infections, and many other viruses can cause hives in children and adults. We now know that COVID-19 is also a virus that causes hives in some patients. Viral infection hives may occur all over the body.
Hives rarely cause emergencies. But sometimes they can cause throat swelling and trouble breathing. If your throat is swelling or you are having trouble breathing or are wheezing, call 911. Once you are getting medical care, you will be given a shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) to stop the reaction.
Hives that keep recurring for 6 weeks or more are called chronic hives – and they are rarely caused by allergy. They are likely related to the immune system, so an allergist/immunologist trained to recognize underlying conditions is an appropriate specialist to see.
Anxiety can increase the release of certain chemicals in the body which then produce physical reactions. This can lead to an itchy skin rash or hives, which may occur anywhere on the body. Learning to manage anxiety can help to treat and prevent anxiety rash.
Blood tests are sometimes done if hives continue for six weeks or longer. Blood tests can tell if there are signs of underlying diseases, such as thyroid problems or an autoimmune disease. Skin biopsy — A skin biopsy (when a small sample of skin is removed) may help identify uncommon causes of hives.
Z points out that chronic hives can be indicative of a variety of autoimmune conditions including thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, as well as being obese or overweight, and hormonal imbalance. “A common factor with these conditions involves endocrine disruption and estrogen dominance,” says Dr. Z.
Most cases of hives go away within several days to a couple of weeks. If they last six weeks or longer, you may have autoimmune hives. This happens when your immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue — in this case, triggering a skin reaction.