Hives aren’t just where bees live

Maybe we think about bees when we hear the word “hives” and maybe not surprising, hives can be caused by insect bites. But although hives are an allergic reaction, bugs aren’t the only culprit. Hives, whose medical term is urticaria, are itchy, burning or stinging red bumps that can occur anywhere on the body.

These itchy welts, called wheals, can be red, pink, white or skin colored. They are pale at the center and can change shape. It’s estimated that twenty percent of people will experience hives at some point in their lives. They are more common in children, particularly children under five.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s website says, [Hives] can vary in size from as small as a pencil eraser to as large as a dinner plate. Hives appear suddenly and may leave in one to two hours. They often appear in clusters, with new clusters appearing as other areas of the skin clear.”

They explain that there are several different types of hives. Dermatographism occurs in five percent of the population. “These hives are caused by stroking or rubbing the skin, and often occur after scratching, or when tight-fitting clothes rub the skin.”

They go on to say that “cholinergic urticaria are hives that develop when the body temperature rises. This can be due to warm baths or showers, jacuzzi or hot tub use, exercise, a fever or emotional stress. An estimated five to seven percent of patients who have hives experience cholinergic urticaria.”

Cold-induced hives can be caused by exposure to cold wind or water, or by consuming cold water, liquids or frozen foods. Yup, ice cream can provoke hives symptoms on your lips or mouth. Then there are solar hives which is, you guessed it, caused by sunlight or even a sunlamp. CHP says that a solar hives reaction can occur within one to three minutes.

If hives last less than six weeks, they’re called acute hives, if longer than six weeks they’re classified as chronic hives. Typically, you or your primary healthcare provider can figure out the triggers for acute hives, but chronic hives more often are idiopathic, meaning their trigger is a mystery.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says one shouldn’t mistake hives for angioedema which is a swelling of tissue beneath the surface of the skin. Angioedema causes swelling in the eyes, mouth, hands, feet or throat and difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or swelling of the lining of the eyes. You’ll want to contact the medico quickly if you have any of these symptoms.

And because we have had 23 confirmed measles cases in six Idaho counties including Bonner and Boundary since August 2025, you should know that besides the rash, a child with measles will develop a high fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, conjunctivitis and Koplik spots in the mouth.

ACAAI says that researchers have identified many of the factors that cause hives including food and medications. Some people will get hives by just touching certain items. And it is important to note some illnesses will cause hives.

In food products, peanuts, eggs, nuts and shellfish top the list. Medications like antibiotics (especially penicillin and sulfa), aspirin and ibuprofen can be triggers. Others are insect stings or bites, latex, bacterial infections (urinary tract infections and strep throat), viral infections (common cold, infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis), pet dander, pollen, and some plants (think poison oak).

Cleveland Clinic says that “most of the time, hives go away without treatment. Your healthcare provider might recommend medications and at-home care to help you feel better and lower your changes of having hives again.”

These treatments may include an oral and/or topical antihistamine. For harder to treat chronic hives allergy shots may be the answer. As for at-home treatments, taking a cool bath or shower, wearing loose-fitting clothes and applying cold compresses on the rash may alleviate symptoms.

“An over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream can relieve itching and swelling,” Cleveland says.

WARNING: A severe acute allergic reaction can lead to anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening condition. “Symptoms include hives, swelling of your face, mouth or throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting and low blood pressure.” This is a medical emergency needing a shot of epinephrine. Call 911 and go to the emergency department immediately.

Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected].