3. Infections - Bacterial, viral and fungal infections can all induce urticaria, most frequently Strept infections. It is not unusual for a child to have hives with the common cold.
4. Illnesses - Hives can represent a symptom of an underlying illness such as lupus, thyroid disease, leukemia, sinusitis, liver disease, hepatitis, PMS, and other skin diseases.
5. Insect bites - Bee stings, wasps, scorpions, hornets - you name it, they can cause a reaction. Again, if you notice any swelling or trouble breathing you are probably having an anaphylactic reaction and should seek medical attention immediately.
Other forms of hives include:
1. Solar urticaria - Too much sun exposure can induce hives.
2. Dermatographism - results from a firmly touching or rubbing the skin. The more you rub; the more welts appear; the more you itch. The more you itch; the more welts appear.
3. Delayed Pressure Urticaria - Pressure from restrictive clothing or other articles can result in hives hours after the garments were worn.
4. Contact Urticaria - Coming in contact with pollen, mold, stinging nettle, caterpillars, pet dander, pet saliva, moths, parasites (pinworms), white flour, and certain chemicals (cosmetics), can all trigger an allergic reaction producing hives.
5. Cholinergic Urticaria - Hives associated with increased body temperature or stress. This can be especially bothersome during exercise.
6. Aquagenic urticaria - Although rare, contact with water or sweat can cause a hives reaction in some people.
7. Cold Urticaria - Also rare, hives can result from exposure to cold temperatures.
I have actually known several family members and friends having a few of these types of hives. My father had a hives reaction after eating strawberries. He has never had a reaction again and still eats strawberries. This is not typical. Usually you will have a reaction every time you come into contact with the substance. It's possible a medication he was taking reacted with the berries, or a chemical on the strawberries was actually the cause. I also had a close friend in school who had dermatographism. I can still see her arm covered in welts. It must have itched terribly, because within five minutes her arm was completely red and covered in bumps. These are only a couple of examples. I could go on; but no doubt we have all known someone with hives or experienced it ourselves.
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