Imagine going about your day when suddenly, red, itchy patches appear on your skin. They sting, burn, and just when you think they’ve faded, they return. At first, you might blame last night’s dinner or a new detergent, but sometimes, the cause isn’t so obvious.
For many, these recurring rashes are chronic hives, medically known as chronic urticaria. While usually not dangerous, they can disrupt sleep, self-confidence, and daily life. Understanding the causes and triggers can help you manage flare-ups effectively.
What Are Hives?
Hives, or urticaria, are raised, red, itchy welts that appear when the skin reacts to inflammation. They come in two main forms:
- Acute hives: Short-lived, usually resolving within six weeks, often caused by clear allergens.
- Chronic hives: Persisting or recurring for months or even years, sometimes without an identifiable cause.
Chronic cases can be puzzling, as triggers aren’t always obvious.
Surprising Triggers Behind Chronic Hives
While food allergies are commonly blamed, hives can have many unexpected causes:
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