Allergic Hives or urticaria, are red, itchy bumps near the surface of the skin. Like many other allergies, they are the result of overproduction of histamine and any reaction can be caused by a wide variety of things. In many cases, skin hives are the consequence of a food allergy. Eggs, peanuts, shellfish, milk and other foods can cause hives. The bumps are not generally painful but the itchiness is uncomfortable and the hives can become worse by scratching.

During much of the year, plants produce pollen. Mold knows no season and may occur anytime. Plants release pollen in order to fertilize other plants. Not all of those particles reach their intended targets. Some enter the airways of people. The same goes for mold, which can find its way into the nose or mouth through many routes. Pollen and mold allergies need to be treated separately since what reduces one will effectively increase the other.