Hives News and Research

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Hives (or Urticaria) are a kind of skin rash notable for dark red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives are frequently caused by allergic reactions; however, there are many non-allergic causes.

Martha's Vineyard Hospital launches study to better understand alpha-gal syndrome

Martha's Vineyard Hospital, a member of Mass General Brigham, has begun recruiting participants for a research study designed to better understand alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a potentially serious allergic condition associated with lone star tick exposure.

25 Aug 2026

Tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome poses potential risks during blood transfusions

A new multi-institute study led by researchers at Dartmouth Health and Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth suggests that alpha-gal syndrome, the tick-borne disease that can result in a chronic allergy to meat and animal byproducts, also may complicate certain patients' ability to safely receive a blood plasma or platelet transfusion.

24 Aug 2026

Common allergy medications offer no real relief for eczema patients

It's typical for someone looking for relief from dry, itchy, red and irritated skin – also known as eczema or atopic dermatitis – to turn to common allergy medications called antihistamines.

30 Jul 2026

New diagnostic blood test improves food allergy detection accuracy

Allergies can be minor or life-threatening, and current diagnostic blood tests are not always adequate at determining which substances patients need to avoid to prevent a reaction.

15 Jul 2026

Mizzou tackles rising alpha-gal syndrome cases with research and outreach

The University of Missouri is on the front lines of helping patients with alpha-gal syndrome - a potentially life-threatening red-meat allergy caused by lone star tick bites.

24 Feb 2026

Early peanut introduction can prevent allergy but parents need clearer guidance

Feeding babies peanut-containing foods as early as possible can help prevent peanut allergy, but a new study published in JAMA Network Open found that parents need more support to get it right.

18 Dec 2025

Unnecessary gluten-free diets may put children at risk

Understanding gluten-related disorders is crucial for pediatric nutrition, as gluten-free diets can pose health risks without appropriate medical supervision.

15 Dec 2025

Kennedy sharpens vaccine attacks, without scientific backing

As the federal government prepares for the next meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has intensified his attacks on aluminum vaccine components used in many shots to boost the body's immune response.

24 Nov 2025

Researchers confirm first death linked to tick-induced meat allergy

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have identified the first death caused by what is commonly called the "meat allergy" being spread by ticks.

13 Nov 2025

Research shows reluctance among obstetricians to refer pregnant patients to allergy specialists

Many pregnant women experience allergies, asthma, or reactions to medications - conditions that can affect both mother and baby if not carefully managed. Yet new research presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting suggests a reluctance among obstetricians to refer their pregnant patients to allergy specialists, even when a referral could help improve care.

6 Nov 2025

First-generation antihistamines increase delirium risk in older hospitalized patients

An analysis in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that older inpatients admitted to physicians who prescribe higher amounts of first-generation antihistamines face an elevated risk of delirium while in the hospital.

22 Oct 2025

Food allergy diagnoses plummet after guideline implementation

Peanuts represent one of the most common causes of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated, or anaphylactic, food allergies in children, yet a landmark study found that early introduction of peanut to infants may lower their risk of developing this allergy.

21 Oct 2025

Asthma and multiple allergies raise the risk of failed oral food challenges

Research shows asthma and multi-food allergies elevate the odds of reactions in oral food challenges, emphasizing the importance of careful patient selection.

8 Oct 2025

Which GLP-1 meds have the most side effects? Study of 60,000 Facebook posts gives answers

Researchers analyzed nearly 60,000 public Facebook posts to identify real-world adverse events linked to GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications. Gastrointestinal symptoms were most common, while mental health concerns and tirzepatide-specific side effects were also flagged.

28 Jul 2025

McMaster study identifies the most effective and safest treatments for chronic hives

A new international study led by researchers at McMaster University has identified the most effective and safest treatments for people suffering from chronic urticaria, more commonly known as chronic hives.

15 Jul 2025

HIV vaccine study marks breakthrough in targeting broad immune responses

A decades-long scientific challenge in HIV vaccine development has been finding a way to train the immune system to produce antibodies that can target many variants of the virus.

15 May 2025

Scientists link emulsifiers in processed foods to allergy and immune disorders

Review identifies common food additives in ultra-processed foods—particularly emulsifiers like carrageenan and polysorbate 80—as key drivers of gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and allergic diseases by disrupting intestinal barriers and activating proinflammatory pathways.

26 Mar 2025

CDC confirms black-legged ticks can cause red meat allergy in humans

Researchers confirmed that black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) can trigger alpha-gal syndrome in humans. A 10-year surveillance in Maine identified 23 confirmed cases of the meat allergy outside the lone star tick’s known range.

23 Mar 2025

Strawberries enhance brain speed and heart health, but cognitive benefits remain unclear

Strawberries may modestly enhance processing speed and lower systolic blood pressure in older adults, but they do not significantly improve overall cognitive function or vascular health.

19 Mar 2025

New consensus report aims to improve anaphylaxis treatment worldwide

A groundbreaking consensus report on anaphylaxis – the severe reaction some people experience from bee stings, peanut butter exposures, medications, and the like – has been released by the Global Allergy and Asthma Excellence Network (GA2LEN) and recently published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

4 Mar 2025