What Causes Hives?

Hives can be itchy and irritating and a nuisance to deal with. Hives typically occur as part of an allergic reaction, but it’s important to understand more about why hives occur and what you should do when dealing with hives. Dr. Brett Matheson, Dr. Christopher Sartori, and Dr. Martin Harris at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center in Colorado Springs and Trinidad, CO, can explain why hives happen and how you can prevent them.

What Causes Hives? 

When you’re having an allergic reaction, there are many different types of symptoms that you might experience. Often, a common reaction is developing hives. The body mistakenly releases histamine for allergens that don’t cause a real threat to the body. When the histamine is released, your body can develop hives. 

Hives are often triggered by allergies such as: 

• Food 
• Bug bites 
• Latex 
• Medication 
• Pollen 
• Specific plants 
• Pet dander 

Hives can also be caused by a reaction to certain medical treatments. If you’re dealing with strep throat or a urinary tract infection, you might develop hives as a reaction to the treatment. There are no real known causes for why hives happen, but it’s important to talk to your dermatologist in Colorado Springs and Trinidad, CO, about how you can treat your hives. 

You may need to take antihistamines to reduce the appearance of your hives. Icing hives can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. It’s critical that you do not scratch your hives so that you can avoid scarring and other complications.

Contact Our Dermatologist Today 

While there isn’t a specific known cause for hives, there are known triggers. Contact Dr. Brett Matheson, Dr. Christopher Sartori, and Dr. Martin Harris at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center in Colorado Springs and Trinidad, CO, to learn more about hives and how you can treat them. Call for more information and to schedule a consultation today at (719) 574-0310 for the office in Colorado Springs, CO, and (800) 290-2478 for the office in Trinidad, CO.