Symptoms and Triggers of Hives

Hives commonly develop as an allergic reaction. Triggers can come from the food you ate, the pollen that you are sensitive to or the dust mites your foot comes in contact with. You can develop hives on just any part of your body. However, you do not usually find them growing on the soles of your feet and palms of the hands as the skin located in these areas tend to be tougher. Hives can also occur at any time of the year. It is a common affliction. For some, hives can be a chronic condition.

Hives appear as round bumps that have a spongy appearance. The area around a hive is red, which doctors call a flare. Hives can vary in size from a millimeter or two to large bumps that cover the entire body.

Although the triggers may vary, the biological process when this condition develops, is the same. Your capillaries dilate which allows fluid to leak into the surrounding areas of the epidermis. Once the hives start fading, this excess fluid is then reabsorbed into the body. Hives can be itchy; due to the nerve endings at the surface of the epidermis, where the fluid leakage and swelling occurs. When you press on a hive bump, the area will whiten around it.

Do not be too happy if your hives do not itch either. One version of hives called angioedema does not typically cause itching; however, it affects the deeper skin tissues and may also affect the lining of your stomach, larynx and more.

Allergic reactions are common. You may break out in hives if you eat shellfish and you are allergic. A thyroid condition or sinus infection could trigger hives. Some people get hives after excessive exercise or even a sudden drop in temperature. Most cases of hives are treated with the same type of medications however, regardless of the trigger. If you notice that you are extra sensitive to certain factors, your best bet is to avoid them.