Hives Summary Hives are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin. An allergic reaction to a drug or food usually causes them. Allergic reactions cause your body to release chemicals that can make your skin swell up in hives. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people. Other causes include infections and stress. 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. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Treatments and Therapies Allergic Rhinitis: Antihistamines American Academy of Family Physicians Medicines to Treat Allergies Array Treating Allergies, Hay Fever, and Hives Consumers Union of U.S. Related Issues Allergic Skin Conditions American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Food Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Medications and Drug Allergic Reactions American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Sun Allergy Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Find an Expert American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology Find an Allergist/Immunologist American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Array Angioedema Hives Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Urticaria National Institutes of Health Specifics Cold Urticaria Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Exercise-Induced Urticaria American Academy of Family Physicians Children Help with Hives Nemours Foundation Hives American Academy of Pediatrics Hives (Urticaria) Logical Images Hives (Urticaria) (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Start Here Hives American Academy of Dermatology Hives (Urticaria) Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Hives (Urticaria) Logical Images Hives and Angioedema Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Teenagers Hives (Urticaria) Nemours Foundation Images Photos & Graphics: Urticaria and Angioedema American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Journal Articles Hives Health Check Tools Rash (Hives) DSHI Systems Skin Allergy Quiz American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Statistics and Research Simplifying Effective Treatment of Chronic Hives in Children American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Videos and Tutorials Virtual Allergist American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
