Top Chronic Hives Triggers You Must Be Aware Of!

Urticaria, or chronic hives, is a skin condition characterized by deep, itchy welts that appear unexpectedly across the body.

Carrying heavy objects, eating foods you’re allergic to, wearing tight clothing, or dealing with infections can all lead to hives flare-ups. Even heat, medications, or menstruation can sometimes exacerbate Urticaria.

While uncommon, chronic hives are not rare and can be a severe condition lasting a year or more. The 30s and 40s are the prime onset years, but they can occur even later. In this article, we will discuss the usual suspects: looking out for the top triggers of chronic hives, which will help you prevent this condition.

What Causes Chronic Hives? Discover the Top Triggers

Those itchy, reddish, raised welts that burn, sting, and look terrible keep coming back again and again. But why? Something must be making them worse. Let’s learn about the most common triggers for hives :

1) Stress & Food Allergies

Studies have shown that stress plays a significant role in numerous mental and physical illnesses, including chronic hives. Stress doesn’t just make hives worse; it can directly trigger flare-ups and make the condition harder to control.

Chronic hives are not expected to develop following a stressful period. However, numerous studies have discovered individuals with chronic hives often report higher stress levels. Additionally, there is a connection between post- traumatic stress disorder and Urticaria.

According to a study, about 11% of U.S. individuals have some kind of food allergy. If you suspect you’re among them, consult an allergist for complete food allergy testing. Common triggers include:

• Additives or artificial preservatives
• Gluten intolerance

Consider consulting a doctor if you are suffering from any of these conditions. Mindfulness and meditation have been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress, offering relief for some hives sufferers.

2) An Autoimmune Disease

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology revealed that about 50% of chronic idiopathic hives are caused by autoimmune responses, where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues.

Thyroid disease is the most commonly reported autoimmune condition in individuals with chronic Urticaria, followed by type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, a European Journal of Dermatology study discovered a link between celiac disease and chronic hives.

However, we can’t definitively say if the disease activated Urticaria or if the person’s tendency to have an autoimmune reaction triggered it. If no stimuli are detected during irritant testing, physicians will look for an underlying autoimmune disease or infection. Treating that disorder can help reduce hives.

3) Infections

In cases of chronic hives, your immune system may attack both the infection and your healthy cells, leading to prolonged symptoms. What triggers chronic Urticaria? Here are some conditions:

• Tooth decay
• Tonsillitis
• Sinusitis
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Urinary tract infection
• Norovirus and Hepatitis C

These infections can trigger a histamine reaction, leading to Urticaria. When you have a viral or bacterial infection, your body creates histamine to defend against the virus or bacteria. However, in people with chronic spontaneous Urticaria, histamine goes into overdrive, causing the immune system to attack healthy cells and leading to extended suffering from chronic hives.

4) Environmental Allergies

For cases of CSU caused by irritants, an allergy test conducted by a professional is the best way to identify triggers. The test is quick, usually taking 20 to 30 minutes. The doctor places a micro-dose of an allergen on a small skin area (generally on your arm or back) and makes a slight scratch.

If redness or swelling occurs, the test for that allergen is assessed as positive. Not all Urticaria triggers can be tested this way, but common environmental allergens that can induce chronic hives include:

• Plant toxins
• Chemical irritants
• Insect bites
• Some medications

Olfactive allergic reactions can be triggered by scents on or around your skin. If you’re susceptible to CSU, be cautious with perfumes and fragrances in soaps, lotions, and fabric softeners.

5) Medications

In searching for the common causes of hives , certain medications are more likely to cause an overactive histamine response in individuals with chronic hives. They include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

If you have Urticaria, you might reach for an over-the-counter painkiller to relieve itching. However, be cautious as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin can worsen your outbreak and cause breathing difficulties.

Antibiotics:

Sulfa and penicillin antibiotics are associated with triggering hives. If you develop hives while on antibiotics, contact your physician immediately. Seek emergency medical assistance if you experience redness, itching near the tongue or throat, or any respiratory distress.

High blood pressure medications and painkillers can also activate CSU.

Final Thoughts

Chronic spontaneous Urticaria is a serious skin disorder that must be addressed and properly managed for permanent relief. Considering common triggers can help you prevent CSU. We have already discussed the usual suspects: looking out for the top triggers of chronic hives.

Other potential triggers include sensitive skin, tight clothing, temperature changes, and hormonal imbalances. Consult with your doctor to find the actual cause!