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Hives usually strikes suddenly. First the skin itches, then it erupts into
red welts. The itching may be severe, keeping people from working or sleeping. It's a
distressing disorder which affects an estimated 20 percent of the population at one time
or another in their lives. Bouts of Hives have been traced to such triggers as
infections, drugs (including aspirin), certain foods and additives, cold, sun exposure,
insect stings, alcohol, exercise, endocrine disorders and emotional stress. In some
people, pressure caused by belts and constricting clothing causes eruption. Urticaria may
be a response to infection including the common cold, strep throat and infectious
mononucleosis. |