Nevada Esthetics State Board License Practice Exam

The primary cells associated with the cause of hives are histamine-releasing cells, specifically mast cells. When the body encounters an allergen or irritant, these mast cells release histamine, a chemical that plays a significant role in the allergic response. Histamine causes the dilation of blood vessels and increases the permeability of blood vessel walls, leading to the inflammation and swelling characteristic of hives.

Understanding the role of mast cells and histamine is crucial in recognizing how allergic reactions manifest in the skin. In contrast, bacterial, fungal, and viral cells do not directly contribute to the immediate allergic reaction that leads to hives. Instead, they may be involved in other forms of infections or immune responses but are not the primary cause of this particular skin condition. Thus, histamine-releasing cells are central to the development of hives.