Lupus: Can it cause hives?

Yes, but this is uncommon. About 5 percent to 10 percent of people with lupus will develop hives at some point in the progression of their disease. The exact cause of hives in lupus isn't clear. But it may be due to certain antibodies produced by some people with lupus. Sun exposure also may play a role.

Individual hives usually last less than 24 hours. Individual hives that last longer than 24 hours may be due to urticarial vasculitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the small blood vessels in the skin. Lupus is one cause of urticarial vasculitis.

Signs and symptoms of urticarial vasculitis include an itching and burning sensation in the affected skin. Unlike hives, lesions caused by urticarial vasculitis may leave behind a bruise. A doctor may confirm a diagnosis of urticarial vasculitis by a biopsy of the affected skin.

Treatment of hives may include:

• Antihistamines
• H-2 blockers (cimetidine, ranitidine)
• Corticosteroids

Treatment of urticarial vasculitis may also include antihistamines, H-2 blockers and corticosteroids, but used for a longer time than with simple hives. Aggravating factors, such as sun exposure, also may need to be controlled. In addition, treatment of lupus is important in controlling urticarial vasculitis.