Why do hives itch

Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people. Both viral and bacterial infections can cause hives. Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat.

Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and colds often cause hives. The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, your doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are associated with hives. Your doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to determine what may have caused your hives — especially if they were the result of an allergic reaction.

In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest that you seek temporary relief by:. Simple changes to your lifestyle may be able to help you prevent hives from reoccurring in the future.

If you have allergies and you know which substances are likely to cause an allergic reaction, your doctor will suggest that you avoid any possible exposure to these factors. Allergy shots are another option that may help you reduce the risk of experiencing hives again.

Avoid being in high-humidity areas or wearing tight clothing if you have recently had a hives outbreak. Although hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, usually they are not severe and will disappear after a period of time. However, be aware that as some hives go away, new ones may pop up. Mild cases of hives are considered harmless.

Hives can be dangerous if you are having a serious allergic reaction and your throat is swelling. Prompt treatment for a severe case of hives is important for a good outlook. Hives generally fade without treatment within 24 hours of appearing. Here's how to get rid of hives last longer. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a…. Stress can affect both your physical and emotional health.

When you have chronic hives, the most effective treatment often depends on the type of the hives you have and your medical history. Make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist, allergist, or primary care doctor. A thorough medical exam can help rule out possible causes, such as an infection or medication, which could be causing your hives.

If signs indicate that this may be the cause, medical testing can find or rule out these causes. While medications and medical conditions can cause hives, there are many other causes, including foods, insect bites, and pressure on the skin. If that happens, your dermatologist can still recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe medication that can help reduce your flare-ups. Keep track of your flare-ups. Some triggers that can cause long-lasting hives are shown below. Take photos of your hives.

When your see your dermatologist, you may not have hives. Taking pictures can help your dermatologist make sure you have hives. Other skin conditions can look like hives. Relieve the itch at home. Itch is common in people who have chronic hives.

Here are some ways to get temporary relief: Avoid overheating. Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Apply a cold compress, such as ice cubes wrapped in a washcloth, to the itchy skin several times a day—unless cold triggers your hives. Use anti-itch medication that you can buy without a prescription, such as an antihistamine or calamine lotion. Prevent dry skin by using a fragrance-free moisturizer several times a day.

Stay calm. Stress can trigger hives. If you feel stressed often, healthy ways to reduce your stress include, exercising every day, meditating, and practicing mindfulness. Know that treatment can be effective when the cause s of your hives remains unknown.

It is important to speak to a doctor before using supplements, as these can trigger adverse reactions. One cause of hives , or a factor that can make symptoms worse, is emotional stress. A study in linked stressful life events, low family support, insomnia , and hives in 75 participants.

In other words, when a person is stressed, any inflammatory reactions are likely to be more severe in a person who is susceptible to a reaction. In this way, hives, or urticaria, can be linked to stress. Acute urticaria is the most common type. Symptoms last less than 6 weeks, and they typically affect the face and neck, fingers, toes, and the genitals of males. However, any part of the body can be affected.

Chronic urticaria continues for more than 6 weeks. About 1 in every 1, people is estimated to experience chronic urticaria. The exact cause is unknown, but it may link to the immune system. Viruses can also trigger hives. In some cases, it may relate to an underlying autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid disease or lupus.

Angioedema may also occur. This is similar to hives, but it affects the deeper layers of the skin. Often, the trigger is unclear, but if there appears to be a specific trigger, the doctor may refer the patient to an allergy clinic. If the urticaria continues for more than 6 weeks, the trigger is probably not external, so experts do not recommend allergy tests at this point. Find out how harmless substances can cause the characteristic symptoms of hay fever, eczema, asthma, food allergy, and anaphylaxis.

When a person is stressed, it can have an impact on their skin health. Itchy skin can result from various conditions, including allergies and eczema. Here, learn about some causes and treatment options, including home…. If you suspect angioedema mentioned above , you should visit the emergency room immediately. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools.

Reviewed: December 18, Medically Reviewed. Hives are often mistaken for the following skin issues: Angioedema is swelling of tissue deep in the skin. Generally, angioedema is accompanied by swollen lips, eyelids, hands, throat, or feet, trouble breathing, and cramps. Severe itchiness especially at night , fluid-filled bumps, and red to brownish-gray patches indicate eczema rather than hives. Hives may change shape and move around the body, whereas a bug bite stays in the same place.

The bumps look like acne and may contain pus, which hives generally do not. Like hives, heat rash will appear as red bumps on the skin, though heat rash among adults generally occurs in areas where sweat gets trapped, such as in the armpit area, elbow creases, and the groin.