What Are Hives?

Hives, also known by their medical name of Urticaria, are raised, flat-topped bumps that are smooth to the touch and typically red in color. They can be incredibly itchy and are typically accompanied by a stinging or burning sensation.

A hives rash can appear anywhere on your body and can be as small as a pencil eraser or as large as a dinner plate. Hives can also join to form extremely large areas that are called plaques.

What Causes Hives?

Finding the exact cause of your hives rash can be nearly impossible, however there are a few well known causes that include stress, food allergies, allergies to bug bites or stings, contact with animals or plants, medications, cold, heat, excessive perspiration and over exposure to the sun.

Some of the most common foods that cause hives outbreaks are chocolate, milk, fish, eggs, fresh berries, nuts and tomatoes. If you are not using the right hives treatment you should avoid these foods.