Common Cause of Hives

Hives are annoying itchy welts that pop up, drive you crazy and then disappear. Some lucky folks know what causes their hives while others are left wondering. Luckily, if you know what causes them, you can avoid the cause and the reaction.

Food Allergies

Some common causes of hives are food allergies. According to WrongDiagnosis.com, a website with info on hives, some of the common triggers are nuts, eggs and shellfish.

Skin Irritations

Latex is a very common skin allergy that can cause people to break out in hives. Animal saliva can cause hives, such as when a dog kisses or slobbers all over you. Insect bites or stings can cause a break out as well.

Enviormental Causes

Some delicate skin will react to direct sunlight and heat by breaking out in hives. Hot water can cause the same, as well as cold water.

Medications

Histamine is the chemical that your body releases when you break out in hives. Some medications cause the body to release this chemical and bring on the hives. According to Medicinenet.com, a website on diseases, the common medications are morphine, ibuprofen, aspirin and codeine.

Time Frame

Hives are normally short lived. Most hives disappear within a few hours or days. Six weeks is about the maximum time frame that a person would be bothered with them.