Autoimmune diseases can cause hives. Chronic autoimmune urticaria, also known as autoimmune hives, is a condition that involves red, itchy bumps or welts on the skin that last for six weeks or longer. Some autoimmune diseases that can cause hives include:

• Celiac disease
• Dermatomyositis
• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Polymyositis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Thyroid disease
• Vitiligo

Autoimmune thyroid disease is the most commonly reported autoimmune disease linked to chronic hives. It is possible to have more than one autoimmune condition at the same time, and autoimmune hives may be a stand-alone symptom with no obvious underlying cause.