Why Do Allergies Cause Hives?
Allergies are caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless proteins or allergens as dangerous and reacts against it. To understand why allergies cause hives, it is important to know the allergy mechanism. When the immune system identifies an allergen, it releases antibodies called IgE antibodies against the specific allergen. These antibodies bind to special cells known as the mast cells (These cells are present in the body tissue). The next time the immune system encounters the allergen, the IgE antibodies bind themselves to the allergen and the mast cells release chemicals such as histamine to fight the allergen. When histamine is released by the mast cells, a hives outbreak is triggered along with other allergic symptoms. Allergy testing, which involves tests such as skin prick test, blood test etc. can help you to determine if your hives are caused due to allergies. Treating Hives: Hives which are caused due to allergies are treated by antihistamines such as Benadry
