Hives on the neck are commonly caused by allergies, stressful situations, or certain medications. People also occasionally develop them when they sweat profusely or get sick with a virus or other type of infection. Hives can be caused by just about anything, but allergies are often to blame. They usually go away within a few hours, but in some cases they persist for a whole day. Some people also have chronic problems with hives that keep coming back after they go away.
There are many different allergies that people can have that can cause them to break out in hives on their neck. Allergies to bee stings, reactions to various bath or cleaning products, and even food allergies can cause them to develop. Most of the time, hives stop being a problem as soon as whatever is causing the reaction is removed from the immediate environment of the person experiencing them. Sometimes it's hard to be sure hives were caused by allergies, and people often have to go through a process of trial and error to figure out exactly what they might be allergic to.
When neck hives develop along with other problems, such as facial swelling, throat swelling, and unusual blistering or itching, medical attention should be sought immediately. If hives occur along with these other serious symptoms, they are most likely the result of a potentially serious allergic reaction. Some people have allergies to things like bees, peanuts, and various types of fish that are serious enough to be considered life-threatening, and getting medical attention as soon as possible could prevent tragic consequences.
Stressful situations and nervousness can also cause hives in many places, including the neck. Many people develop neck hives after unpleasant confrontations with other people or just before an important event is about to happen in their lives. It is also not uncommon for hives to develop when a person is feeling scared. Anything in life that can cause nervousness and tension could cause this reaction. When they develop due to a stressful experience, they usually go away as soon as feelings of calm return.
Neck hives can also develop when people get sick from some kind of illness or infection. There are also several medications with side effects that can cause neck hives. Regardless of the cause, hives are almost always temporary. Taking cold showers, using oral antihistamines, and avoiding things that trigger neck hives are things that medical professionals often recommend to treat hives. They usually can't be forced to go away, but they almost always do in a short time with or without treatment.