Surprising Causes Of Hives Revealed — What May Be Triggering Your Skin Reaction

• Hives last longer than a few days
• They recur frequently
• Swelling affects the lips, tongue, or throat
• You experience difficulty breathing (this is an emergency)

The Bottom Line

Hives aren’t always caused by something you ate or touched. Stress, temperature changes, pressure, infections, and even everyday habits can trigger unexpected skin reactions.

Identifying patterns—such as timing, activities, or emotional stress—can help uncover the cause and prevent future flare-ups. When in doubt, a healthcare professional can help pinpoint the trigger and guide treatment.

Your skin may be trying to tell you more than you think—sometimes, it’s worth listening.