Patients can develop hives for various reasons and sometimes they are severe. Most hives are caused by stress, but prescription medication, illness, injury, or environmental conditions have also been known to cause them.
Hives can appear in one area, or all over the body. These spots will often look like welts, and can be very itchy and uncomfortable.
Hives usually do not last for long periods of time. In certain instances, they can persist for six weeks or longer.
For patients suffering from chronic hives, prescription antihistamines can be taken as a preventative treatment.