Why Do I Keep Getting Hives?

Hives are common and often develop suddenly and unexpectedly and resolve in 24 hours or less, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. However, not everyone who develops hives is so lucky.

In some cases, hives last for weeks or they recur frequently. If you suffer from chronic hives, you may want to know why. 

At Associated Skin Care Specialists, our experienced board-certified dermatologists understand how frustrated you may feel dealing with your red, itchy welts and not knowing why. 

Though the underlying cause of hives isn’t always clear, we want to share some of the most common reasons you keep getting hives. 

About your hives

Hives, or urticaria, are itchy red or skin-colored welts (wheals) that appear on your skin. You can develop hives on any part of your body, including your tongue, throat, or lips.

The welts may itch, burn, or sting and change in size and color as the skin reaction runs its course. As noted, hives usually appear suddenly and resolve quickly. However, if you keep getting hives or your hives last six weeks or more, then you have chronic hives. 

Why you keep getting hives

Hives occur when you have high levels of histamine and other chemicals in your bloodstream. Your immune system releases histamine when you come in contact with an allergen, which triggers the immune system reaction.

Allergies are a common hives trigger and maybe the reason you continue to get the skin reaction. Common allergens that cause hives include:

• Food 
• Medication
• Insects
• Pollen
• Latex

Though histamine seems to be the primary cause of the skin reaction, allergies aren’t always the trigger. Stress, infections, exercise, and sunlight may also cause hives. Your hives may also be a symptom of an underlying health issue such as a thyroid condition.

Unfortunately, for those suffering from chronic hives, the underlying cause isn’t always known. 

Getting relief from your hives

When it comes to treating your hives, we focus on relieving your immediate symptoms and preventing future outbreaks.

To ease the itching, burning, or stinging sensation, we may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine. If the OTC medications fail to relieve your symptoms, we may recommend other medications such as histamine blockers, anti-inflammatory medications, or prescription cream medication to reduce itching. 

We also recommend:

• Applying OTC anti-itch medication to your skin
• Using cold compresses
• Keeping your skin moisturized
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing

Avoiding your hive triggers, if known, may also keep you from getting hives. However, you can still get relief from your symptoms even if you don’t know what triggers the skin reaction. It’s even possible for your chronic hives to disappear altogether never knowing the root cause.

Whether you know why you keep getting hives or not, with the right treatment plan you can get relief from your symptoms. 

To schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced dermatologists, call the office in Maple Grove, Fridley, Eden Prairie, or Coon Rapids, Minnesota, or use the online booking tool.