Hives
Hives
Overview
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The main symptom of hives (urticaria) is a rash.
The rash may:
- be raised
- be very itchy
- be on one part of the body
- spread over large areas
- range is size from a few millimetres to the size of a hand
- change in appearance within 24 hours
Common Symptoms
Symptom information is not available for this condition yet.
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to the hospital emergency department if you:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe; you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale; if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding as they normally do; their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face
You or the person who is unwell may also have a rash that is swollen, raised or itchy.
Contact your doctor if:
- the symptoms of hives don't improve after 2 days
- you're worried about your child's hives
- the rash is spreading
- the hives keeps coming back
- you also have a high temperature and feel unwell
- you also have swelling under your skin
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to the hospital emergency department if you:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe; you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale; if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding as they normally do; their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face
You or the person who is unwell may also have a rash that is swollen, raised or itchy.
Contact your doctor if:
- the symptoms of hives don't improve after 2 days
- you're worried about your child's hives
- the rash is spreading
- the hives keeps coming back
- you also have a high temperature and feel unwell
- you also have swelling under your skin
Causes
Hives occur when histamine and other chemicals are released from under the surface of your skin. This causes the tissues to swell.
Histamine can be released for many reasons, including:
- eating certain foods
- an insect bite or sting
- cold, including exposure to cold water or wind
- heat, including from exercise or eating spicy food
- emotional stress
- an infection like a cold
- having drinks like alcohol or caffeine
- taking medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antibiotics
- a reaction to environmental factors like pollen, dust mites or chemicals
- an allergic reaction to latex
- scratching or pressing on your skin, like wearing itchy or tight clothing
- a problem with your immune system
- water or sunlight (though this is rare)
If you can, try to work out what is causing your hives. This can help you avoid them in the future.
Diagnosis
Hives are usually diagnosed by looking at the characteristic red rash. Your doctor or pharmacist may ask you questions to find out what might have started your symptoms. If your symptoms continue for a long time (this is called chronic urticaria), a doctor may arrange some tests to help determine the cause. They will also ask you about anything that seems to make your symptoms worse.
Treatment
Most hives rashes don't need treatment. The symptoms are usually mild and often get better within a few days.
If needed, a pharmacist can advise you about antihistamines to help treat hives.
Antihistamines may not be suitable for young children or if you have a long term condition. You should discuss this with the pharmacist.
Treatment for severe hives
If the hives are more severe, your doctor may prescribe:
- steroid tablets (oral corticosteroids)
- antihistamines
- menthol cream to relieve itchiness
If the hives don't go away with treatment, your doctor may also refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).
Complications
Complications of hives
Complications of hives can include:
- angioedema – a deeper swelling of tissues
- psychological and emotional problems like stress and anxiety
- anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction that should be treated as a serious medical emergency
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