What Causes Chronic Hives?


mosquito on hand
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Bug Bites

Most insect stings and bites cause some kind of redness, swelling, or itching. Sometimes, they bring more than a small bump. Hives happen when your whole body has an allergic reaction.
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woman sick in bed
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Infections

Watch out for hives when you have bacterial or viral problems, such as:
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
Even the common cold can sometimes set off a hive reaction.
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arm with welts that spell dermatographia
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Scratching

Take your nail and firmly (but not too firmly) scratch a line into your skin. If the raised mark it makes sticks around for half an hour, you’ve got something your doctor may call dermatographism. It's hives that pop up from rubbing or scratching your skin.
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sweaty man
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Working Out

When you exercise, your temperature goes up. Warm, flushed skin is the perfect host for a hive party.
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woman stressed at work
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Stress

When you’re under pressure, your hormones surge. That puts your body into something called fight-or-flight mode. It can set off a host of reactions, including hives.
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alcohol variety
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Alcohol

Did you know you could be allergic to alcohol? Alcohol intolerance can cause a flushed face, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea -- and hives.
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foods that cause allergies
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Foods

What you eat can bring hives. Things like shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, certain fruits, and milk are all common culprits.
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medication bottles
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Medications

Just about any drug can cause hives. You could see red, itchy welts after doses of:
  • Penicillin
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Blood pressure meds
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man with tight backpack strap
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A Tight Squeeze

Squeezed skin can bring welts called pressure hives. Any kind of force can cause them, including:
  • A heavy backpack on your shoulder
  • A waistband with no give
  • Sitting in a hard chair for too long
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woman under umbrella
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Sunshine

It’s rare, but you can be allergic to sunlight. When this reaction happens, you get hives only on the parts of your skin the sun has touched.
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woman in jaccuzi
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Heat

Hives thrive on warmth. Anything that makes you hot can be a trigger, like:
  • Hot baths
  • Blushing
  • Sunburn
If your temperature’s up, the welts can come out.
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woman in parka
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Cold

Any contact with lower temperatures -- from a blast of winter air to a dip in a pool -- can bring on your rash.
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Autoimmune Disease

Often, hives happen because your immune system is too active. Your body’s defenses attack normal tissue, and boom -- breakouts.
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woman holding bandage
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Latex

Disposable gloves, bandages, condoms, pacifiers, balloons, shoes -- the list of things made of latex is long. Everything on it can cause hives, if you’re allergic. Usually, it’s the protein in natural-rubber latex that riles things up.
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cat and brush with dander
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Pets

Dander can drum up hives quickly. So can saliva from cats and dogs. If you notice red welts after petting or playing with a furry friend, your playmate is probably the cause of your blotches.