What are hives?
As small as jujubes or as large as saucers, hives are an allergic reaction that take the form of itchy red bumps or welts on the skin. They are the result of cells releasing histamine, a chemical that makes blood vessels leak fluid into the deepest layers of skin.It’s not clear why some people get hives, while others don’t, and the triggers associated with hives are so numerous, they fit the category of everything in the world. Just for starters, hives can be caused by sunlight, heat, cold, pressure, stress, viral infections, or medications. Name anything that can cause an allergy, and it can also cause hives, including pollen, dust, dander, dust mites, shellfish, and other foods.A simple antihistamine can help reduce the allergic reaction causing your hives. Choose one of the drugs that don’t cause drowsiness. While you let the medicine do its work, try the handy home treatments below for added relief. You’ll also want to get to the bottom of what’s causing your hives so you can avoid itching in the future.(Related: Is It Hives or a Rash? Heres How to Tell the Difference)