The lumps can be as small as a pea, as large as a dinner plate, or any size in-between. They can show up anywhere on the body. Besides a rash, swelling often occurs around the rash. Hives may last from a few minutes to two days, and in some cases may come back several times over a period of days, weeks or years. No permanent skin damage results from hives, and they usually disappear without any treatment.
Most people have hives at one time or another.
Hives usually do not require treatment by a doctor and can be taken care of at home. Other persons, including persons with medical conditions are advised to read product labels carefully and consult a pharmacist if they have questions about use. The only way to prevent getting hives is to discover what drug, food or other stimulus is causing them and then avoid that substance. Allergy testing may be required to determine the specific cause. When combined with other symptoms, hives can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction that requires a medical evaluation.