How Do I Recognize Hives from an Allergic Reaction?

Developing hives from an allergic reaction can result in red, blotchy patches of spots all throughout the skin or only on specific parts such as the neck or hands. Recognizing hives from an allergic reaction can be very helpful in determining if an individual actually suffers from allergies, which is the first step in treating allergic reactions. Many allergic reactions can result in hives on the skin, which can vary in shape and often have the same color each time. Hives are often mistaken for a common rash, yet are distinctively different by their raised bumps.

If a rash with inflamed and reddened skin occurs directly after eating a certain food, it is most likely that an allergic reaction has taken place. This is the first step in identifying hives from an allergic reaction, as rashes tend to form hives moments after its onset in many people. Hives can occur on top of the skin and are the result of a number of immune system attack processes going on within the body, protecting itself from the allergic substance. These hives will often be small and occur in clumps, yet some hives can occur separately and become very big, depending on the severity of the allergic reaction.

When an individual consumes a certain food or product, or if he or she is exposed to a certain substance in the environment, a number of allergic reactions can occur. The most common allergic reaction that is quickly noticeable are hives, which are raised bumps on the skin that clump together and create itching and inflammation. Identifying hives from an allergic reaction to a food or substance is usually done by examining the skin and seeing if there are raised circular bumps forming on the top layer of the skin. These raised bumps are hives, and they become itchy and can sometimes swell to larger circular bumps.

The size of hives vary for each individual, and can be as small as a grain of rice or as big as a plate, depending on the severity of the allergic reaction. Also, hives can be identified by their somewhat distinct color, as the middle portion of a hive is often pale, taking on a lighter color of an individual's skin tone. The perimeter of each hive on the skin becomes red, and redness will spread when the hives are scratched. It is best not to scratch though, as this can open the hive and create a wound, which can possibly lead to infection.