Hives are raised, often itchy, red welts on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to food or medicine. When you have an allergic reaction to a substance, histamine and other chemicals are released into your bloodstream, causing itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Hives are a common reaction, especially in people with other allergies like hay fever. A hyper-sensitive immune system can also trigger hives as a reaction to certain foods.

 The symptoms of Hives are swelling of the surface of the skin into red- or skin-colored welts (called wheals) with clearly defined edges. The welts may enlarge, spread, and join together to form larger areas of flat, raised skin. They can also change shape, disappear, and reappear within minutes or hours. The welts tend to start suddenly and resolve quickly. When you press the center of a red welt, it blanches (turns white).

Elizabeth:

“I kept getting hives almost every week, and couldn’t find out why. I went to several allergists and had a RAST test done, but none of the foods and treatments seemed to work. Until I had the Sage Test, I was still getting the hives. Once I got rid of all the foods they told me to eliminate from my diet, I haven’t had any more outbreaks, and feel so much better. I’ve even lost some weight, and that makes me feel better too. I have to thank the Sage Chef for all his help and recipes.“