In fact, you might have had hives but had no clue just what they were.

Hives, also known as urticaria, can appear right after exposure to a trigger -- or many hours later. They are also called welts, wheals and nettle rash.

Hives look like a bumpy skin rash. They can be red or flesh toned. In addition, they itch and may turn white if you press on them, what's known as blanching. Hives may only persist for minutes or they may be present for many years.

This common condition is caused by an allergic reaction. When this happens, the body releases a protein called histamine. This causes the capillaries to leak fluid. And that, when it settles in the skin, causes what we see in the form of hives.

Following are six ways to treat hives naturally.

1.    Avoid Triggers

The number-one natural remedy for hives is obvious. Know what you’re allergic to and avoid it at all costs. That way you might not get them at all.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), many things can cause hives. One of the most common triggers is food. That can be milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish. Citrus fruits also are a common culprit.

Further, hives can be caused by a number of other factors. These include medicines, bites and stings from insects, animals, pollen, coming into contact with allergens, physical activity, stress, chemicals, scratching the skin, and even allergy shots.

And that’s not all. The sun also can cause hives. This is called solar urticaria or sun hives. It can appear within minutes of time spent in the sun. Though clothing and sunscreen can help, they will not always prevent sun hives. More than half of those with sun hives will develop angioedema, or swelling beneath the skin.