Hives develop when histamine is released into the small blood
vessels (capillaries). The capillaries dilate which causes a welt,
and fluid oozes into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling.
Histamine also causes intense itching.
Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic
Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
