Some patients get hives occasionally only when they ingest a specific food or food additives. Other get hives as a chronic problem which can go-on for years. The type I version of urticaria tends to occur in acute discrete attacks and may follow the ingestion of specific foods, over-the counter medications, or prescription drugs. Atopic children with eczema and rhinitis are prone to urticaria from food. Hives are associated with high IgE and occur usually as acute food reactions.
Hives also occur as a feature of anaphylactic reactions.
The itchy, erythematous welts, typical of acute urticaria can occur in any distribution in the body. Infants may develop facial wheals on contact with food. Adults often have a single bout of hives when they encounter an unusual or seasonal food or take a drug. Hives following a strawberry feed in the summer or after a eating prawns at a sea-food restaurant are typical examples. Treatment of acute hive attack may requires antihistamine for a few days.