Urticaria (hives)

Hives | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Skin, hair and nails Hives Hives Return to Symptoms Enter age Last Updated: Next Review Date: Review my answers Find your local services Search for a service near you by entering your postcode below. Please input your postcode in the following format: A12 1BC GP Practices Dental Services Pharmacies Opticians Postcode Search NHS inform has more information on this condition. Read more Previous Start guide Review my answers  You told us your credentials were: : You said: Based on the information you gave us, we made the following recommendation: Close Keep a copy View PDF 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 The image shows a hives rash on the side of the stomach. The rash is small, circular patches of pink on pale skin. https://dermnetnz.org/ More images of hives Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Diagnosing hives Hives can usually be diagnosed by examining the distinctive red rash. The pharmacist or GP may also ask you questions to find out what triggered your symptoms. If your symptoms last a while (chronic urticaria), a doctor may arrange for tests to help work out the cause. Theyll also ask about anything that makes your symptoms worse. Treating hives Most hives rashes dont need treatment. The symptoms are usually mild and often get better within a few days. If necessary, a pharmacist can give you advice about antihistamines to help treat hives. Antihistamines may not be suitable for young children or if youve got a long term condition. You should discuss this with the pharmacist. Find your nearest pharmacy Treating severe hives If hives are more severe, your doctor may prescribe: steroid tablets ( oral corticosteroids ) antihistamines menthol cream to relieve itchiness If hives dont go away with treatment, a doctor may also refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist). Phone 999 or go to A&E if you: have swelling in your mouth, eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, feet or hands are wheezing feel lightheaded or faint get tightness in your chest or throat have trouble breathing or talking have abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting You could be having a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and may need immediate treatment in hospital. Speak to a GP if: the symptoms dont improve after 2 days youre worried about your childs hives the rash is spreading the symptoms are severe hives keeps coming back (you may be allergic to something) you also have a high temperature and feel unwell you also have swelling under your skin (this might be angioedema) the symptoms cause distress the symptoms disrupt daily activities Causes of hives Hives occur when histamine and other chemicals are released from under the skins surface. 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 infecti o n 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 whats causing your hives. This can help to avoid them in the future. Rash self-help guide Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next. 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 Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 29 May 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Self-help guide: Rash NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852