If your hives appeared following use of a medication, call your doctor today before taking another dose. The hives can be a reaction to almost anything, including cold, heat, foods, infections, medications and even emotional tension. Unless you already have a good idea what is causing the hives or if a new drug has just been taken, doctors are unlikely to be able to determine the cause. Most often a search for the cause is fruitless. Itching may be relieved by the application of cold compresses and the use of a type of medication called an antihistamine.
Several antihistamines are available from the pharmacy or supermarket without a prescription.
Don't drink alcoholic beverages when taking antihistamines. Hives usually improve with antihistamines in 24 hours or less. However, cooling the skin often relieves severe itching. A cold shower is the simplest way. If your hives are confined to a small area, an ice pack is useful.