Common triggers include foods such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, or dairy, as well as medications, supplements, stress, temperature changes, pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold. Sometimes more than one trigger may be involved.
Keeping a daily record of food, medications, stress, weather, and when the hives appear can help identify patterns. Cool compresses, loose clothing, avoiding hot showers, staying hydrated, and using gentle fragrance-free skincare may also help soothe symptoms.
If hives continue for weeks, keep getting worse, or repeatedly return, a healthcare professional should evaluate the cause. Breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, dizziness, or throat tightness requires immediate emergency medical attention.
