Hives

Doctors can usually diagnose hives just by looking at the red rash, which has a distinctive appearance. The pharmacist or doctor may also ask you some questions to find out what set off your symptoms.

If your symptoms carry on for a while (this is called chronic urticaria), a doctor may arrange tests to help find the cause. They'll also ask what makes your symptoms worse.

Most cases of hives don't need any treatment. The symptoms are usually mild, and the rash often gets better within a few days.

If you do need something, a pharmacist can advise you about antihistamines, which can help treat hives.

Antihistamines may not be suitable for young children, or if you've got a long term condition. Talk this over with the pharmacist before you take one.

If your 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, the doctor may also refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

• 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 the 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 the way they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it hard to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised or itchy.

• you've had hives for 2 days and the symptoms haven't improved
• you're worried about your child's hives
• the rash is spreading
• hives keeps coming back
• you also have a high temperature and feel unwell
• you also have swelling under your skin

Hives happen when histamine and other chemicals are released from under the surface of your skin. This makes the tissues 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's causing your hives. This can help you avoid them in the future.

Hives can lead to some complications, including:

• angioedema, which is a deeper swelling of the tissues
• psychological and emotional problems, like stress and anxiety
• anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that you should treat as a serious medical emergency