Waking up with intensely itchy, raised red welts on your skin can be alarming. In many cases, these symptoms are caused by **hives**, also known as **urticaria**.
Hives occur when the body’s immune system releases a chemical called **histamine**, causing tiny blood vessels in the skin to leak fluid. This leads to swollen, itchy patches that can appear suddenly and vary in size.
One of the most frustrating features of hives is that they often move around the body. A rash may disappear from one area within hours, only to appear somewhere else shortly afterward.
Some people also develop **angioedema**, a deeper type of swelling that commonly affects the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet. In rare cases, swelling of the tongue or throat can interfere with breathing and requires immediate medical attention.
Hives are generally classified as either **acute** or **chronic**. Acute hives usually last less than six weeks and are often linked to an allergic reaction, infection, medication, or another temporary trigger. Chronic hives continue for more than six weeks and may sometimes be associated with immune system disorders, although the exact cause is often unknown.
A wide range of factors can trigger hives, including certain foods such as nuts or shellfish, medications like ibuprofen or antibiotics, viral infections, insect stings, heat, cold, pressure on the skin, sunlight, exercise, or excessive sweating. Emotional stress doesn’t usually cause hives by itself, but it can make existing symptoms worse.
Treatment often focuses on relieving symptoms and identifying the underlying trigger. Healthcare providers commonly recommend antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling. In more severe cases, additional medications may be prescribed depending on the cause and severity of the outbreak.
If hives occur repeatedly, keeping a diary of foods, medications, activities, and other possible triggers can help identify patterns. Understanding what brings on your symptoms is often the best way to reduce future flare-ups and manage the condition effectively.
