If you’ve ever had hives, you know how uncomfortable they can be. You’re probably wondering what causes hives and how can you avoid having them again. First of all, understand that you are not alone. Lots of people suffer from hives and each of them wants to prevent future outbreaks. By recognizing the most common causes of hives you’ll be better prepared to prevent them.

How Do I Know If I Have Hives?

Hives are actually collections of red, itchy bumps that appear on your skin. Often referred to as wheals, these bumps look a lot like mosquito bites but they come in large batches and are not the result of a bug bite.

As far as the wheals go, they vary in size. Usually, they’re very small and look like bug bites, except in large clusters. Sometimes, though, they can get quite big. In fact, the largest wheals can be up to about four inches in diameter and look like red rings with white centers.

Because the wheals can be quite small, a bunch of smaller ones might appear to be a giant one. In this case, it can look and feel as if you just have one giant, red, incredibly itchy patch covering an entire part of your body, such as your arm or leg. So, not all cases of hives look the same.

How Long Do Hives Last?

This is a tough question to answer because it varies. In fact, there is no exact answer. Skin hives can last for minutes, hours, or an entire day. While they rarely last longer than that, some people to suffer repeatedly and others suffer from chronic hives. If you experience prolonged symptoms you should schedule a visit with your doctor.

So, What Causes Hives?

Most cases of hives are caused by something your body is exposed to. If you can figure out what substance is causing them, you can potentially avoid hives in the future by staying clear of what caused them in the first place.

Outer causes of hives can be any sort of chemical in the air that your body is exposed to. Hives can also be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Many times this results when your skin gets scratched, becoming red and inflamed. As this area becomes itchy it’s difficult to keep from scratching it and making the problem worse.

Most commonly, however, hives are caused by a problem within your body. Allergic reactions are the most common. Allergies can be caused by outer sources such as dog or cat dander but more often are caused by food. It’s often a good idea to see a doctor to help determine any food allergies you may have.

Stress is another common cause of hives that initiates inside the body. Stress can cause a chemical imbalance within your body and leave you more susceptible to all sorts of medical conditions, including hives.

If you suffer from hives, it’s important to seek treatment. OxyHives is a homeopathic remedy for hives that works to stop the itching, pain and swelling associated with a hives outbreak. Click here to find out more about OxyHives.