Hives, or urticaria, are itchy, red, raised welts on the skin that often appear suddenly and disappear quickly. While many associate hives with typical allergies like foods or medications, there are many less obvious triggers. These include emotional stress, sudden temperature changes (hot or cold), prolonged pressure on the skin, unusual food sensitivities (like citrus or spices), certain medications beyond allergy drugs, infections, sunlight exposure, hormonal fluctuations, rare reactions to water, and irritants in everyday products like soaps and detergents.

Managing hives involves identifying and avoiding these triggers when possible, using antihistamines to reduce symptoms, and adopting healthy habits such as stress management and protecting the skin from irritants. It’s important to consult a doctor if hives persist for more than six weeks, come with swelling of the face or throat, or disrupt daily life. Recognizing the wide variety of triggers can help people better understand and control their hives for improved comfort and health.