What are Hives

Hives (urticaria) are itchy, red, swollen areas on your skin. Hives can show up on any part of your body, and they can vary in size. They can be as small as the tip of a pen or much larger.

Hives often fade within 24 hours (acute hives). In other cases, new hives show up after old ones fade. This can continue for many days or weeks (chronic hives).

Hives are caused by your body’s reaction to an irritant or to something that you are allergic to (trigger). You can get hives right after being around a trigger or hours later. Hives do not spread from person to person (are not contagious). Hives may get worse if you scratch them, if you exercise, or if you have worries (emotional stress).

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, use it as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Skin Care

• Apply cool, wet cloths (cool compresses) to the itchy, red, swollen areas.
• Do not scratch your skin. Do not rub your skin.

General instructions

• Do not take hot showers or baths. This can make itching worse.
• Do not wear tight clothes.
• Use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your skin when you are outside.
• Avoid any triggers that cause your hives. Keep a journal to help you keep track of what causes your hives. Write down:
  • What medicines you take.
  • What you eat and drink.
  • What products you use on your skin.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your symptoms are not better with medicine.
• Your joints are painful or swollen.

Get help right away if:

• You have a fever.
• You have belly pain.
• Your tongue or lips are swollen.
• Your eyelids are swollen.
• Your chest or throat feels tight.
• You have trouble breathing or swallowing.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.