(HealthDay News) - Hives are red, raised patches of skin that are usually very itchy. Hives themselves often are not serious, but they may indicate a more serious condition.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists these common triggers for hives:
- Some medications.
- Foods that many people are allergic to, including shellfish, nuts, eggs and milk.
- Pollen.
- Dander from animals, notably cats.
- Bites from insects.
- Infections and some illnesses, including lupus and leukemia.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun or the cold.
- Excessive sweating.