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Your skin typically itches and is covered in red or skin-colored welts if you are breaking out in hives, medically known as urticaria. Hives typically develop when you are allergic to a substance like pet dander, pollen, or latex. Allergens trigger your body to release histamine into your blood.

There is usually an underlying cause, although it may seem like you are breaking out in hives for no apparent reason. Environmental factors, certain health conditions, workouts, or emotional changes usually cause unexplainable hives.

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1. Environmental Factors

Insect bites, pollen, direct sunlight, cold temperatures, or swimming in cold water can cause hives. Hives from heat, cold, or pressure (such as tight athletic clothing) are physical urticaria. "It's really more that your skin is very sensitive," Marilyn Li, MD, a Los Angeles-based allergist and immunologist, told Health.

Avoiding these triggers could prevent hives from returning, Dr. Li said a healthcare provider might be able to provide an antihistamine. That way, you can enjoy a hike on a sunny summer day or hold a cold beverage without worrying about a hives outbreak.

2. Food Allergies

In addition to hives, symptoms like coughing, itching, and swelling can develop as a result of an immune reaction to certain foods. Common food allergies include peanuts, shellfish, and soy. Some cases are mild, while others can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

3. An Underlying Illness

Chronic hives, which persist for more than six weeks at a time, can be a telltale sign of a more significant cause. Extensive blood work may be necessary to pinpoint the underlying issue.

People with lupus, lymphoma, thyroid disease, or hepatitis might have hives as a symptom of their illness. Viral infections, such as COVID-19, could also cause hives.

4. Exercise

A morning jog or post-work weightlifting regimen can boost endorphins, but exercise could also be why you are breaking out in hives. Your body produces a chemical called acetylcholine during exercise. It disrupts skin cells and either irritates your skin or contributes to the release of histamine.

5. Sweat

Sweat could also result in a breakout for those prone to hives. It does not cause hives but indicates your body's heat rising. When hives occur due to increased body temperature, it's known as cholinergic urticaria. Aquagenic urticaria (water allergy) can cause hives if your skin comes into contact with sweat.

Excess warmth on your skin from a workout can be enough to produce hives. Other body-heat-inducing activities like a hot bath may also cause hives.

6. Stress and Anxiety

Intense emotional responses can trigger a hives outbreak. For those with chronic hives, stress can worsen hives and cause intense itching. The relationship can also happen the other way around: hives can impair emotional functioning.

How To Treat Hives

For those with chronic hives from heat- or illness-induced activities, Dr. Li suggested visiting a healthcare provider. They can pinpoint the symptoms and prescribe an antihistamine. "The solutions are individualized and many times may involve just taking a little more medication," said Dr. Li.

You can purchase antihistamines over the counter or receive a prescription from a healthcare provider:

Benadryl (diphenhydramine)

Clarinex (desloratadine)

Claritin (loratadine)

Vistaril (hydroxyzine), which is availably by prescription

Zyrtec (cetirizine)

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Hives will typically go away with time—unless you experience a severe case that may require medication or a shot. Seek emergency medical attention if you have hives and symptoms like:

Face, mouth, or tongue swelling

Feelings of faintness

Shortness of breath

Swallowing problems

Throat swelling or tightness

Wheezing

A Quick Review

Allergens typically are the cause if you are breaking out in hives, which are itchy red or skin-colored welts. Unexpected causes may include environmental factors, illnesses like lupus or thyroid disorders, exercise, and stress. See a healthcare provider if your hives do not go away or you develop throat swelling, feeling faint, or wheezing.