If you’ve ever had hives, you know firsthand how horrible they can feel. They’re prickly and itchy. They can be red or white, and they appear as raised welts.
The medical name is urticaria. It often (but not always) results from an allergic reaction. But finding the exact cause can be difficult. Sometimes, patients are forced to treat the problem without ever knowing how it began. (Optum Perks can help with that: Our free discount card saves you money at the pharmacy.)
But there’s good news. With quick action, you can reduce your suffering. Keep reading to learn how.
What kinds of allergies cause hives?
Hives are a type of immune reaction that develops very quickly, says Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York. “The most common allergic triggers of hives are medication and food allergies,” says Dr. Rose. Common medications linked to hives include:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. This includes prescription NSAIDs such as celecoxib (Celebrex®).
- Antibiotics such as penicillin
- Sulfonylureas, which are generally prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Common varieties include glyburide (Glynase®), glimepiride (Amaryl®) and glipizide (Glucotrol®).
The list above is not exhaustive, of course. And medications aren’t the only cause of hives. Many things can spark your body’s immune system to overreact and create an itchy rash.
Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites and mold, are common agitators, says Katie Marks-Cogan, MD. She’s a board-certified allergist who practices in Los Angeles. She also notes that contact allergens, such as saliva from cats or dogs, can cause hives. (We’ve uncovered the secrets to saving money on allergy medications. Click here to learn more.)
Infections and insect bites and stings might also be responsible. And then there is the list of physical causes. For some people, heat or sunlight can do it. So can pressure or rubbing from clothing. In some people, even vibrations can spark hives. (This is called vibratory urticaria. A bumpy car ride could set it off.)
In some cases, hives are just one part of a bigger immune response. “Hives associated with other symptoms, such as wheezing, decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or dizziness, may be due to anaphylaxis,” says Dr. Marks-Cogan. Anaphylaxis is a quick, dangerous immune response. Danger is highest among people with severe allergies to bee stings or food allergens such as nuts. If that describes you, think about carrying an auto-injector of epinephrine (Epipen®). It could save your life. There are several versions available, so talk to your doctor to see which is best for you. (You can save on your prescription — and find the best price near you — with the Optum Perks app. Download it now.)
Another condition related to hives is angioedema, or rapid swelling, just beneath the skin. This tends to be more painful than itchy, says Dr. Marks-Cogan. “It usually occurs in the lips, mouth, eyelids, face, larynx, extremities and genitalia,” she says.
How long do hives from an allergic reaction last?
The duration of hives can be hard to predict. They might last minutes, or they might recur for months or years, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. But generally, you can expect symptoms to clear up in less than 24 hours without treatment.
That said, sometimes new hives emerge as quickly as the old ones disappear, says Dr. Marks-Cogan. If you can’t identify the cause, you might accidentally keep exposing yourself.
