You're getting hives (urticaria) because your body releases histamine due to various non-allergy triggers, like infections, stress, heat, cold, pressure, exercise, sunlight, or even unknown causes (chronic spontaneous urticaria), leading to itchy welts. Often, the specific reason isn't found, especially with long-lasting hives, but treatments like antihistamines can manage symptoms effectively, so seeing a doctor is key.
Hives are raised, itchy patches on your skin that are often caused by an allergic reaction, but not always. Surprising triggers include heat, pressure, sweat, mood, and infections, among other health conditions.
Generally speaking, pregnant women are more susceptible to breaking out in hives caused by allergies due to all the turbulence in their immune system. Hives may also result from physical pressure from the pregnancy itself. On rare occasions, pregnancy can also lead to pruritic urticarial papules and plaques (PUPP).
Hives may also develop as a result of:
Eczema. Eczema can look like hives. Both have red patches of itchy skin. Eczema, however, also has small, raised bumps.
Red, raised welts or bumps on your skin that may hurt or sting. Blanching (the center of the hive turns white when you press it). Itchy skin (pruritus).
Lifestyle and home remedies
Another condition that affects 1 in 50 women is cholestasis of pregnancy. This is a condition where intense itching is also accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and potentially jaundice. This condition can indicate there are problems with your liver.
The letters PUPPP stand for “pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy.” PUPPP rash is a patch of itchy, hive-like bumps that form in the stretch marks on your belly. It can spread to other parts of your body, like your thighs, breasts and arms. PUPPP is harmless to both you and your baby.
Common bacterial and viral infections known to cause hives include:
Hives caused by stress look the same as any hives. They look like swollen, raised patches of skin called welts or wheals. These welts are smooth but can feel itchy. The exact color of hives varies depending on your skin tone.
One study found that individuals with chronic hives were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to individuals without hives.
Speak to a GP if:
the symptoms don't improve after 2 days. you're worried about your child's hives. the rash is spreading. the symptoms are severe.
This is known as hell's itch, or the devil's itch, which can feel like a deep, painful, throbbing itch that lasts for a few days after sunburn. Hell's itch is fairly rare, and it tends to affect people with fairer skin, and those who have been exposed to the sun at higher altitudes—such as being in the mountains.
Common disorders that mimic anaphylaxis include urticaria, angioedema, asthma, syncope, and especially panic attack triggered by needle phobia [[1], [2], [3], [4]].
Four key warning signs of a damaged liver include jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), abdominal issues (swelling, pain), fatigue/weakness, and changes in urine/stool color, alongside symptoms like itchy skin, easy bruising, confusion, or nausea, indicating the liver isn't filtering toxins or clotting blood properly.
Signs Of Itchy Liver Rashes. The most typical symptom of itchy liver disease is the sudden appearance of a red rash or pimple on the skin. When observing these red patches often appear with clear limits. At an early stage, they will take the form of tiny red rashes, but later spread and form lumpy patches.
Symptoms may include:
Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool. Use a cloth to apply the tea to the hives. Alternatively, drink green tea to help from within.
Mast cells are key in hives, releasing histamine and other substances that cause itching and swelling. Research finds that the circadian rhythm affects mast cell activity. This can lead to more histamine release at night. This increase can make hives symptoms worse at night.
The most common hive-inducing food allergies in kids include:
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.
The hives appear as swelling or welts, also known as wheals. They are pink and usually accompanied by an itching or burning sensation. They occur on the back, chest, buttocks, face, and neck. Sometimes, hives may affect the arms or legs, especially the upper arms and thighs.
Knowing when to go to the ER for hives can save a life. If you experience any symptoms beyond mild itching and localized welts, especially breathing difficulties or dizziness, seek emergency care without delay. For ongoing issues, consulting a specialist will provide you with the answers and care you need.