Diagnosis

An outbreak of chronic hives caught journalist and health advocate Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana by surprise, and taught her new lessons about managing her health.

Wonder what caused your hives? It could be something you didn't expect – like water, sweat, heat, or stress. Learn about some uncommon causes of hives.

Despite comprehensive testing, doctors are unable to determine the cause of chronic hives 80 to 90 percent of the time. The good news is chronic hives is less difficult to manage now compared to 20 years ago. The key is knowing your trigger points.

Some chronic hives patients go through years of hopping from one doctor to another, searching for the cause of their recurring welts, itching, and/or swelling.

What causes chronic hives? When should you see a doctor? Review these most-asked questions about the condition and educate yourself and others.

Up to 40 percent of people with chronic hives also have autoimmune issues like thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac. Are you one of them?

Several skin conditions share symptoms with chronic hives. Learn about the similarities and differences among skin conditions to ensure the right diagnosis.