Patient/caregiver was educated on risk factors for development of hives as follows:
- Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to present with hives, with no clearly defined trigger.
- Hormone changes: Changes in the body hormone secretion and resulting imbalance can also act as a trigger for activation of hives. Women, owing to the hormone changes during menstruation, abnormal menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, are more prone for flare-up of hives due to this trigger. Steroid hormone imbalance in the body is also considered an important trigger contributing to hives activation.
- Autoimmunity: Autoimmune diseases result in development of antibodies to body tissues, leading to tissue injury. Individuals with history of autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid malfunction can be at increased risk for formation of antibodies that can damage their own body tissues including skin, resulting in hives.
