Ask the Expert: “I have hives. I must have allergies.”
Your Allergy Partners physician would likely respond to the above statement with a cautious “maybe.” Hives, like many of the responses of the body, can be caused by many stimuli, not just allergies. Take, for instance, the similar example of sneezing. Sneezing is a common allergic symptom; however, we all know that non-allergic stimuli can cause sneezing, from
Urticaria, or hives, is a common reason to see an allergist. It can be incredibly distressing to be covered with red welts, and the itching can disrupt sleep, school, and work. Hives appear quickly when special skin cells, called mast cells, are triggered to release chemicals that cause the rash.