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A number of allergic conditions, affect the skin. Hives, or urticaria, is a very common manifestation of hypersensitivity. Many causes for this exist.The disease itself is manifested by the sudden appearance of reddened areas, which rapidly become welts, being distributed generally over the body or localized to the face, neck’s or extremities. Intense itching is usually present. The lesions often migrate and change their appearance rapidly. The rash, however, usually does not blister or weep unless scratching has abraded the skin and allowed the entrance of germs.

Food allergies can sometimes cause hives. Very frequently an allergy to strawberries, shellfish, or some less common food can trigger a sudden onset of this rash. Reaction to substances such as wheat, milk, or eggs is more rare.It is necessary to avoid the food if one wishes to eliminate the symptom. Several drugs can also cause hives. This condition is usually termed a drug allergy. The most common producers of this drug reaction are Penicillin and related antibiotics. Sulfa drugs and pharmaceuticals from nearly every major class of medicinal agent can produce an urticarial reaction in the sensitized individual.

Babies seldom get hives unless a drug has been present in the milk or they have had previous exposure. But it is frequently seen in children and adults with no particular preference as to age, sex, or race. The result of stress at both conscious and subconscious levels may trigger a sudden onset of urticaria. However, in up to 50% of the cases the exact source cannot be detected with certainty. It is very worthwhile to look for the cause, however,and consider any substance that is inhaled, ingested, or contacted by the skin as a possible factor to exclude.

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