Hives or urticaria refers to red lumps on the skin that are commonly swollen and itch. Some people with hives also complain of a burning sensation on the areas with the red swollen lumps. Many cases of hives appear as an allergic reaction to food or other substances. There are also cases of hives wherein the cause is unknown.

People who have various sensitivities to food and other allergens are prone to get hives. Chicken-based meals and crustaceans like shrimps and crabs are known to be hyper-allergenic. Some people are susceptible to these food items and may develop red patches of swollen lumps in their skin after eating. What happens during an infection involves the action of histamine in the body. Substances found in food items like shrimps for example are deemed as foreign bodies by the body’s immune system. With this concern, the body will produce more histamine in order to supposedly battle the allergens or foreign substance from the suspected food item. The action of histamine will then result to the appearance of hives or red lumps on the skin which are often itchy.

Aside from allergens from food, exposure to other substances or objects may also cause hives to some people. Some people are allergic to dust or pollen from various flowers and when they are exposed to these things, their skin may react by producing the red lumps in hives. The shape and size of the lumps may be irregular with some disappearing on their own in a few hours. Some red lumps and swelling on the skin may persist for several days. People with hives are often prescribed with anti-histamines to relieve the itching on their skin and heal the lumps. For minor cases of hives, anti-itch creams may be enough to get relief. In all cases, patients are advised to avoid exposure to known allergens or refrain from eating hyper-allergenic food.