Breaking Out in Hives for No Apparent Reason

Sometimes the source of the raised, red, and itchy bumps on your skin can be a mystery.

One reason hives can be so surprising is that they can be caused by many things you might not expect including stress and exercise. Most of these unexpected causes for hives aren’t serious, but some are a sign it’s a good idea to make a medical appointment.

Read on for more information about reasons you may have hives.

Hives are an itchy reaction on your skin. They happen when a chemical called histamine is released in your body.

They can appear anywhere on your body and can be tiny pinprick-sized bumps or large raised areas that cover an entire limb. Hives often appear red or pink on white or light skin. People with darker skin might have hives that are slightly lighter or slightly darker than the skin surrounding them.

Share on PinterestHives on dark skin.
Created by Samuel Freire da Silva, M. D. in homage to The Master And Professor Delso Bringel Calheiros. Image obtained from Dermatology Atlas

No matter the color of your hives rash, all hives share these qualities:

• raised
• itchy
• tender
• round, oval, or uneven shaped
• clearly defined border

Hives are also called urticaria. Sometimes, the cause of hives is obvious. For instance, you might have an immediate reaction to something you’re allergic to such as pollen or pet dander. However, the cause isn’t always clear. Hives can be sudden and surprising and seem to not have a cause.

Hives are a very common skin reaction that can come from some unexpected sources. Some causes you might not have thought of include:

• Colds and other viral infections. Sometimes hives can be caused by your immune system fighting colds and other viral infections. These hives often appear near the end of your cold or virus as you’re starting to feel better. They’re most common in children but can happen to anyone.

• Bacterial infections. Bacterial infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections can also sometimes trigger hives as your body reacts to the bacteria. These hives will fade as the antibiotics help your body fight the infection. They might peel before healing completely.

• Chronic conditions such as lupus. Hives that last for longer than 6 weeks might be a sign of an autoimmune condition such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. These hives won’t go away on their own. It’s a good idea to make a medical appointment to get this type of hive checked out and see if a chronic condition is the cause.

• Stress. Stress can raise your internal body temperature and release adrenalin and other chemicals that might trigger hives. Stress hives tend to be located on the face, neck, chest, and arms. They’re common in people with eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin.

• Temperature changes. Suddenly encountering hot or cold, such as stepping into a steamy shower or entering a swimming pool, can cause histamine to release and hives to form. Hives that form in response to temperature are called cold urticaria. A red and itchy area of skin often forms around these hives.

• Tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause friction that leads to irritation and to hives. Clothes that sit close to your skin can also push any bacteria on your skin surface into your pores and hair follicles.

• Exercise. A chemical called acetylcholine is released in your body when you exercise can affect your skin cells and cause irritation and hives. Exercise hives are known as exercise-induced urticaria. Some people have additional symptoms along with hives such as shortness of breath, headache, flushing, and stomach cramps.

• Inflammation of blood vessels. An inflammation of your blood vessels known as vasculitis can cause painful hives. They can leave a bruise on your skin and last for several days. Vasculitis is a serious medical condition that requires treatment by a medical professional.

• Medications. Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and opioids can cause an allergic reaction that leads to hives. Hives following medication might be the first sign of a medical emergency called anaphylaxis. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

Seeking emergency medical care

Hives can be a sign of anaphylaxis. This is always a medical emergency that needs immediate care. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen for an allergy, use it.

Call 911, especially if you’re having trouble breathing. If you don’t have an EpiPen, the ambulance will have epinephrine that paramedics can use to provide immediate treatment and will likely reach you much faster than having someone drive you to a hospital. Paramedics can get you to the hospital quickly and monitor your condition the entire time.

Never attempt to drive yourself to the hospital during anaphylaxis. Even if it is a very short drive, it’s not safe to attempt. You can lose consciousness rapidly.

If possible, after you call 911, keep someone with you until paramedics arrive.

Was this helpful?

Hives are often caused by identifiable allergies. Avoiding these allergens can help you avoid breaking out in hives. Common hive triggers include:

• shellfish
• eggs
• peanuts
• milk
• berries
• citrus
• animal dander
• poison ivy and other plants
• latex
• wool, polyester, and other fabrics
• pollen
• grass
• insect stings or bites
• dust mites
• mold
• detergents and dyes

Hives can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction that needs emergency medical emergency attention. It’s important to take action if you hives along with any of these symptoms:

• wheezing
• tightness in your chest or throat
• trouble breathing
• trouble talking
• swelling in your throat, face, or tongue
• nausea
• lightheadedness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911.

A doctor may prescribe you an epinephrine injector, such as an EpiPen, for future allergic reactions. They’ll teach you how to use it and answer any questions you might have. You’ll keep your epinephrine injector on hand and use it if you develop hives in the future.

You’ll still need to visit the emergency room after you use your epinephrine injector, but it can stop anaphylaxis from becoming deadly.

A doctor can diagnose hives and help you find the cause. They might recommend you keep a food diary to find out if there is any link between food and your hives.

You might be sent to an allergist, a doctor who specializes in treating allergies, for additional testing. This might include blood work and urine tests to look for chemicals in your body that might tell the allergists what’s causing your hives.

You might also have a skin biopsy, especially if your allergist suspects vasculitis causing your hives. Hives that have lasted for longer than 6 weeks will likely necessitate testing for underlying chronic conditions.

Sometimes, a specific cause isn’t found. In this case, your hives will be diagnosed as idiopathic urticaria. The word “idiopathic” means unknown. In this case, your doctor will still be able to help you with a treatment plan, but you won’t be able to tell what to avoid to prevent hives in the future.

Treatment for hives will depend on the severity of your hives and on the cause. For instance, you’ll need to avoid the cause of your hives if it has been found.

Your doctor will work with you to find the right treatment for you. Common options include:

• Antihistamines. Both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines block histamine and can treat hives. You might find that certain antihistamines are more effective for you than others. Sometimes a combination of antihistamines is recommended.
• Anti-itch lotions. Lotions to calm down itching and redness can provide relief from hives and prevent scratching.
• Antibiotics. Hives that are linked to bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics
• Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can be taken on a short-term basis to help with severe cases of hives.

Read more about hives treatment options.

Hives can sometimes be surprising and have no obvious cause. There are actually a wide variety of things that can cause hives, including stress, colds, exercise, and temperature changes. Chronic hives can point to an underlying condition such as lupus.

An allergist can help you determine the cause of your hives and start treatment.

Breaking Out in Hives for No Apparent Reason

Sometimes the source of the raised, red, and itchy bumps on your skin can be a mystery.

One reason hives can be so surprising is that they can be caused by many things you might not expect including stress and exercise. Most of these unexpected causes for hives aren’t serious, but some are a sign it’s a good idea to make a medical appointment.

Read on for more information about reasons you may have hives.

Hives are an itchy reaction on your skin. They happen when a chemical called histamine is released in your body.

They can appear anywhere on your body and can be tiny pinprick-sized bumps or large raised areas that cover an entire limb. Hives often appear red or pink on white or light skin. People with darker skin might have hives that are slightly lighter or slightly darker than the skin surrounding them.

Share on PinterestHives on dark skin.
Created by Samuel Freire da Silva, M.D. in homage to The Master And Professor Delso Bringel Calheiros. Image obtained from Dermatology Atlas

No matter the color of your hives rash, all hives share these qualities:

• raised
• itchy
• tender
• round, oval, or uneven shaped
• clearly defined border

Hives are also called urticaria. Sometimes, the cause of hives is obvious. For instance, you might have an immediate reaction to something you’re allergic to such as pollen or pet dander. However, the cause isn’t always clear. Hives can be sudden and surprising and seem to not have a cause.

Hives are a very common skin reaction that can come from some unexpected sources. Some causes you might not have thought of include:

• Colds and other viral infections. Sometimes hives can be caused by your immune system fighting colds and other viral infections. These hives often appear near the end of your cold or virus as you’re starting to feel better. They’re most common in children but can happen to anyone.

• Bacterial infections. Bacterial infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections can also sometimes trigger hives as your body reacts to the bacteria. These hives will fade as the antibiotics help your body fight the infection. They might peel before healing completely.

• Chronic conditions such as lupus. Hives that last for longer than 6 weeks might be a sign of an autoimmune condition such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. These hives won’t go away on their own. It’s a good idea to make a medical appointment to get this type of hive checked out and see if a chronic condition is the cause.

• Stress. Stress can raise your internal body temperature and release adrenalin and other chemicals that might trigger hives. Stress hives tend to be located on the face, neck, chest, and arms. They’re common in people with eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin.

• Temperature changes. Suddenly encountering hot or cold, such as stepping into a steamy shower or entering a swimming pool, can cause histamine to release and hives to form. Hives that form in response to temperature are called cold urticaria. A red and itchy area of skin often forms around these hives.

• Tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause friction that leads to irritation and to hives. Clothes that sit close to your skin can also push any bacteria on your skin surface into your pores and hair follicles.

• Exercise. A chemical called acetylcholine is released in your body when you exercise can affect your skin cells and cause irritation and hives. Exercise hives are known as exercise-induced urticaria. Some people have additional symptoms along with hives such as shortness of breath, headache, flushing, and stomach cramps.

• Inflammation of blood vessels. An inflammation of your blood vessels known as vasculitis can cause painful hives. They can leave a bruise on your skin and last for several days. Vasculitis is a serious medical condition that requires treatment by a medical professional.

• Medications. Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and opioids can cause an allergic reaction that leads to hives. Hives following medication might be the first sign of a medical emergency called anaphylaxis. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.

Seeking emergency medical care

Hives can be a sign of anaphylaxis. This is always a medical emergency that needs immediate care. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen for an allergy, use it.

Call 911, especially if you’re having trouble breathing. If you don’t have an EpiPen, the ambulance will have epinephrine that paramedics can use to provide immediate treatment and will likely reach you much faster than having someone drive you to a hospital. Paramedics can get you to the hospital quickly and monitor your condition the entire time.

Never attempt to drive yourself to the hospital during anaphylaxis. Even if it is a very short drive, it’s not safe to attempt. You can lose consciousness rapidly.

If possible, after you call 911, keep someone with you until paramedics arrive.

Was this helpful?

Hives are often caused by identifiable allergies. Avoiding these allergens can help you avoid breaking out in hives. Common hive triggers include:

• shellfish
• eggs
• peanuts
• milk
• berries
• citrus
• animal dander
• poison ivy and other plants
• latex
• wool, polyester, and other fabrics
• pollen
• grass
• insect stings or bites
• dust mites
• mold
• detergents and dyes

Hives can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction that needs emergency medical emergency attention. It’s important to take action if you hives along with any of these symptoms:

• wheezing
• tightness in your chest or throat
• trouble breathing
• trouble talking
• swelling in your throat, face, or tongue
• nausea
• lightheadedness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911.

A doctor may prescribe you an epinephrine injector, such as an EpiPen, for future allergic reactions. They’ll teach you how to use it and answer any questions you might have. You’ll keep your epinephrine injector on hand and use it if you develop hives in the future.

You’ll still need to visit the emergency room after you use your epinephrine injector, but it can stop anaphylaxis from becoming deadly.

A doctor can diagnose hives and help you find the cause. They might recommend you keep a food diary to find out if there is any link between food and your hives.

You might be sent to an allergist, a doctor who specializes in treating allergies, for additional testing. This might include blood work and urine tests to look for chemicals in your body that might tell the allergists what’s causing your hives.

You might also have a skin biopsy, especially if your allergist suspects vasculitis causing your hives. Hives that have lasted for longer than 6 weeks will likely necessitate testing for underlying chronic conditions.

Sometimes, a specific cause isn’t found. In this case, your hives will be diagnosed as idiopathic urticaria. The word “idiopathic” means unknown. In this case, your doctor will still be able to help you with a treatment plan, but you won’t be able to tell what to avoid to prevent hives in the future.

Treatment for hives will depend on the severity of your hives and on the cause. For instance, you’ll need to avoid the cause of your hives if it has been found.

Your doctor will work with you to find the right treatment for you. Common options include:

• Antihistamines. Both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines block histamine and can treat hives. You might find that certain antihistamines are more effective for you than others. Sometimes a combination of antihistamines is recommended.
• Anti-itch lotions. Lotions to calm down itching and redness can provide relief from hives and prevent scratching.
• Antibiotics. Hives that are linked to bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics
• Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can be taken on a short-term basis to help with severe cases of hives.

Read more about hives treatment options.

Hives can sometimes be surprising and have no obvious cause. There are actually a wide variety of things that can cause hives, including stress, colds, exercise, and temperature changes. Chronic hives can point to an underlying condition such as lupus.

An allergist can help you determine the cause of your hives and start treatment.

symptoms, causes, types, treatment and complications – consultation of experienced dermatologists and allergists of the MEDSI clinic

Urticaria is an allergic disease (dermatosis), which is manifested by the formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Its symptoms, according to statistics, are experienced by about 25% of the world’s population. At the same time, only 2–7% are children, the rest are adults. The onset of the disease often occurs before the age of 40. Under the condition of constant contact with the allergen, the disease becomes chronic. Pathology is dangerous because it can cause Quincke’s edema.

Classification of diseases

Urticaria can be acute and chronic.

In the first case, it is manifested by the rapid (within one hour) appearance of numerous bright pink blisters. After some time, they either disappear completely, or a second wave sets in with the formation of new ones. Chronic urticaria is characterized by a long course. Moreover, it can occur not only in contact with an allergen, but also in diseases of the liver and digestive organs.

Also, depending on the location of the rash, the following forms of urticaria are distinguished:

• Localized. In this case, the rash forms only on certain parts of the body
• Generalized. Rash spread all over body

Depending on the causes, the following types of pathology are distinguished:

• Allergic urticaria
• Endocrine
• Solar
• Cold
• Medicinal
• Infectious
• Reactogenic etc.

Urticaria in children

This pathology is also called strofulus. It usually occurs in children who are breastfed or on an age-inappropriate diet. Insect bites, contact with allergens, infectious infections, and the appearance of parasites in the body can provoke the disease. Blisters in children quickly transform into pink-brown nodules with a small bubble. The affected skin itches and itchs. Often, bloody crusts form on it. Skin folds and limbs are often affected. Gradually, the rash can spread throughout the body. Babies under 3 years of age additionally develop symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation and vomiting. If the pathology becomes chronic, the child may become drowsy and lethargic, suffer from sleep disturbances and loss of appetite. Interestingly, after 7 years, almost all children have it without a trace.

Other types of diseases

Symptoms of urticaria in some women appear before menstruation, the cause of the pathology in this case is hormonal changes. Usually, formations are noticeable on the chest and in the face area. They do not cause pronounced discomfort, they can only cause slight swelling and slight itching.

There is also a toxic form of the disease. It occurs upon contact with certain insects, animals, fish, marine life (for example, jellyfish) and plants (including poisonous ones).

Chronic sluggish urticaria can develop in the presence of a pet.

Causes of disease

Urticaria in adults and children occurs against the background of:

• Insect bites
• Use of certain drugs
• Eating new food
• Vaccinations
• Blood transfusions
• Direct contact with allergen

A rash occurs as a result of a reaction to high temperatures or cold, vibration, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical friction, etc. Infectious agents (fungi, bacteria, etc.) also lead to the development of pathology. In about 30% of patients, it is not possible to find out the causes of urticaria.

Symptoms

The main signs of a pathological condition include:

• Rash on body
• Itching
• Transformation of rash into blisters

Usually the rash is concentrated on the limbs, face and scalp. In some cases, it also appears on the mucous membranes. In addition, the symptoms of urticaria include headache and drowsiness, a feeling of weakness and nausea. In some cases, patients complain of an increase in body temperature.

Important! With a favorable course, the symptoms disappear very quickly.

If the disease has acquired a chronic form, then it is characterized by less pronounced symptoms, but a long course.

Diagnostics

Before determining how to treat hives, a doctor needs to identify its symptoms and causes. Usually, the diagnosis is made on the basis of a survey of patients and a study of clinical manifestations. If necessary, identify the allergen. For this, special tests are carried out.

Methods of treatment of urticaria in children and adults

The most effective method of therapy is to eliminate contact with the allergen. If it cannot be detected, the patient is prescribed antihistamines that prevent the risks of developing the disease.

Treatment of acute urticaria

To quickly eliminate symptoms, not only antihistamines are recommended, but also avoiding contact with household chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes and other potentially hazardous substances. Patients are also prescribed a special diet. Thanks to it, it is possible to eliminate the risks of occurrence of factors that provoke unpleasant symptoms of the disease.

The diet is selected individually, while there are general principles.

These include an exception to the diet:

• Products that can provoke an allergic reaction
• Lots of protein food
• Products that are unknown to the patient and have not been previously tried by him
• Sauces and condiments
• Complex dishes with many components (especially unknown ones)
• Alcohol
• Spicy dishes
• Pickles and marinades

It is also important for the patient to limit the consumption of table salt and sugar, to use only fresh proven products for cooking.

Even with restrictions, you need to try to make the diet as diverse as possible. It is desirable to include in it: yellow or green (not red) apples, lean meat, mild cheese, grain bread, cabbage, herbs, white currants, peas, beans.

Important! It should be understood that an allergy can occur to almost any product. Therefore, they should be introduced into the diet in small portions and a special food diary should be kept, describing in it the reactions to the use of products. This will allow you to plan a complete, but safe meal.

Treatment of chronic urticaria

Therapy requires special attention from the doctor. He needs to carefully select the initial set of drugs. It is determined by the severity of the pathology and the symptoms of the disease. If a negative reaction occurs to any of the means, the reception is immediately stopped. It is also important to cleanse the intestines and remove potentially dangerous substances from the body.

Important! The patient needs to be prepared for the fact that the treatment of urticaria is often delayed for months. In this case, there is always a chance that all symptoms will suddenly disappear.

Treatment of urticaria in children

The therapy is carried out in the same way as in adults. Special preparations are prescribed to reduce the body’s sensitivity to the allergen, remove the skin reaction and ensure the prevention of exacerbations.

Important! If necessary, gastroenterologists, gynecologists and other narrow specialists are involved in the treatment of urticaria in adults and children. This is due to the fact that in some cases the pathology develops against the background of diseases of internal organs and systems and requires an integrated multidisciplinary approach.

Prevention

Patients prone to urticaria need to reduce contact with potential allergens. It is also important to adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Use antihistamines before vaccination and local anesthesia
2. Keep a food diary
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid the risk of skin irritation
4. Avoid emotional stress
5. Treat all chronic diseases in a timely manner

Important! The doctor will tell you about all preventive measures. If there is a predisposition to the disease, it is very important to visit a dermatologist and an allergist immunologist to receive all the recommendations and identify the causes of the pathology.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Modern expert class equipment. It provides fast and accurate diagnosis. The patient can undergo a comprehensive examination with the identification of allergens and the determination of the general condition of the body
• Multidisciplinary approach. It allows you to identify all possible causes of the pathology and select adequate treatment for various symptoms of urticaria
• Therapy according to the latest recommendations (including international ones). It is carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, his current condition, the type of pathology and the factors that provoke it

To clarify the conditions for the treatment of urticaria or make an appointment, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor now:

• Urticaria treatment
• Dermatologist’s appointment

Allergic rash – urticaria | Symptoms

Medications, contrast agents (used in imaging studies such as computed tomography)
Signs: Allergic rash that begins within 48 hours after using the drug.

Emotional and physical stimuli (stress and anxiety, cold, exercise, skin pressure, warmth, sunlight, sweating)
Signs: Allergic rash, which usually begins within seconds or minutes after contact with an irritant; an allergic rash that starts within 4 to 6 hours and affects only the area of ​​skin where pressure has been applied, or an allergic rash that only affects the area of ​​skin exposed to sunlight.

Food (food allergens)
Signs: Allergic rash that starts within minutes or hours of consumption.

Infections (bacterial, parasitic, viral)
Signs: Fever, chills, and fatigue. Specific infection symptoms, particularly for parasitic infections, recent travel to a developing country.

Insect bites or burns
Signs: Allergic rash that starts within seconds or minutes of an insect bite or burn.

Serum sickness
Signs: Allergic rash that begins within 7 to 10 days after an injection of a blood product (as in a transfusion), a drug derived from the blood of animals (used to treat venomous snake and spider bites). May be accompanied by fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal pain.

Contact allergens (latex, animal saliva or dander, dust, pollen or mold)
Signs: An allergic rash that begins within minutes or hours of contact.

Transfusion reactions
Signs: Allergic rash that usually starts within minutes of a blood product transfusion.

Systemic lupus erythematosus
Signs: Various symptoms depending on the autoimmune disease. With systemic lupus erythematosus, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and swelling, pain when breathing, and mouth ulcers.

Sjogren’s syndrome
Signs: Dry eyes and dry mouth.

Urticarial vasculitis
Signs: An allergic rash that may be painful but not itchy. Usually lasts more than 24 hours. Does not whiten (brighten) when pressure is applied. May be accompanied by the formation of small blisters and red-violet spots (purpura).

Cancer (digestive or lung or lymphoma)
Signs: Weight loss, night sweats, abdominal pain, cough (sometimes with blood), jaundice, swollen lymph nodes, or a combination of these symptoms.

Chronic idiopathic allergic rash
Signs: Allergic rash that occurs almost daily and itching that lasts for 6 weeks with no apparent cause.