Hives (Urticaria)

Hives causes

Hives are usually caused by your body reacting to something it doesn’t like:

• Allergies to food, pollen, animals or medicine
• Infections like colds or viruses
• Heat, cold, sunlight or pressure on the skin
• Stress or exercise
• Sometimes the cause isn’t known

Hives risk factors

Some people are more likely to get hives than others, like if you:

• Have allergies or asthma
• Have a family history of hives or allergic reactions
• Are taking medications like antibiotics or pain relievers
• Are sick or recovering from an illness
• Have an autoimmune condition

Hives symptoms

Hives can look and feel different for each person, but common signs include:

• Raised red or skin-colored bumps
• Itching, sometimes very intense
• Bumps that appear, disappear and come back in new places
• Swelling of lips, eyelids or other areas (in some cases)
• Skin irritation that lasts a few hours or up to several days

Hives diagnosis

Doctors usually don’t need tests to figure out it’s hives. They can often tell just by looking at your skin. They may ask about food, medicines or other possible triggers. Allergy tests or blood tests might be done if the hives keep coming back.

Hives treatment

Hives often go away without any treatment, but these things can help you feel better:

• Take antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling
• Avoid known triggers if you can figure out what caused it
• Use cool compresses or take a cool shower
• Don’t scratch, as it can make the skin worse
• A doctor may give you stronger medicine if needed

When to seek care

See a doctor right away if:

• You have trouble breathing or swallowing
• Your throat or tongue starts to swell
• The hives keep coming back for weeks
• Over-the-counter medicine isn’t helping
• The hives are very painful or spreading quickly