The most common cause of hives is infections. Foods such as eggs, nuts and shellfish are common causes of urticaria. Medications such as aspirin and antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa) also are common causes of hives. Infections causing hives include the common cold, and other viral infections.

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.

In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites. Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. It’s not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections.

A minor case of hives can last for a few days. An acute case of hives may persist for about six weeks. If the skin breakout lasts longer than that, it might be a case of chronic hives. Most cases of hives go away on their own, but you can use home remedies to ease the sometimes uncomfortable symptoms.

Hives aren’t contagious, meaning you won’t develop them on your skin by touching hives on another person. However, the trigger that causes this skin reaction can be contagious.

Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters. They may be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.

Hives are very common. They usually go away on their own, but if you have a serious case, you might need medicine or a shot. In rare cases, hives can cause a dangerous swelling in your airways, making it hard to breathe – which is a medical emergency.

You should go to the emergency room (ER) for an allergic reaction right away if any of the following symptoms are present: a rash, such as hives. nausea and vomiting. swelling of the eyes. swelling of the mouth and the throat, which can eventually cause your airway to close off.

The key difference between Hives and rash is that Rash is a general term used to describe a form of skin disease associated with different appearances, texture of the skin as a result of skin damage that occur due to multiple causes such as infections, immune-mediated diseases etc. while Hives or urticaria are specific forms of skin manifestations

But, as they say, nothing happens without a cause, so perhaps, the age-old reason for ‘no reason’ could be stress and poor emotional health. Recent studies have, in fact, established a connection between chronic hives and post traumatic stress. Undoubtedly, the most common cause of hives is allergies.

The great outdoors. Insect bites and exposure to pollen can make you break out in hives, but you probably already knew that. What you may not have realized is that direct sunlight, cold temperatures, or strong winds can also bring on hives.