Keep an eye on any itchy or stinging spots for a few days and see if any hives develop. If nothing happens, you may have a bug bite or another condition that caused temporary itching.
Be aware that welts and wheals can appear on any part of your body. [6] X Research source They can also change shape and disappear within minutes or hours. Some welts may have a roughly oval shape or be shaped like a worm. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several inches across. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source See if you have any swelling of the surface of your skin with clearly defined edges, which is a clear sign of hives.
Use gentle pressure when checking for blanching. Pressing too hard may cause swelling or inflammation. [9] X Research source
Look for angioedema around your eyes, cheeks, or lips. Angioedema most commonly appears in these places. Examine the appearance of any welts you have. If they are large, thick, and firm, they are likely angioedema instead of hives. Feel your welts for pain or warmth, both of which are signs of angioedema.
Localized hives, which present on one specific part of your body. These hives are generally caused by direct skin contact with food, pet saliva and fur, pollen or plants. Widespread hives, which present all over your body. These hives can be a reaction to a viral infection. They may also be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an insect bite. Acute hives, which are short-lived. [11] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Most acute hives will go away within 24 hours. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Chronic hives, which may occur daily for more than six weeks. Each hive will last for less than 24 hours, but others will reappear in different spots. [13] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source
Foods such as shellfish, fish, nuts, milk, and eggs[14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Medications including penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and blood pressure drugs Common allergens such as pollen, animal dander, latex, and insect bites Environmental factors including heat, cold, sunlight, water, pressure on the skin, emotional stress, anxiety, and exercise Underlying medical conditions such as lupus, blood transfusions, lymphoma, hepatitis, HIV, and the Epstein-Barr virus
Have had hives in the past Have had other allergic reactions Have a condition associated with hives including lupus, lymphoma and thyroid disease Have a family history of hives.
If you experience angioedema symptoms, a new cough, or a scratchy throat along with the hives, those can be signs the reaction is more serious and you need prompt medical attention. Let your doctor know when your hives started and anything you think may have caused them. Tell your doctor any self-care measures you’ve taken as well. Answer any questions your doctor may have for you. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Make sure you mention any food allergies, as some medications and immunizations have food derivatives (such as eggs in flu shots), and should be avoided if you are allergic. Follow any instructions your doctor gives you, including taking prescription medication to relieve the hives. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids, autoimmune drugs, or blood protein controllers to relieve your hives. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Use a soap of your choice to remove the allergen. Wash the area thoroughly with cool water, which can further soothe your skin. Make sure to rinse the area thoroughly so that none of the allergen remains on your skin. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel to avoid irritating it.
Add a few sprinkles of baking soda, uncooked oatmeal, or colloidal oatmeal. These can further soothe itchy and inflamed skin. Stay in the bath for 10 – 15 minutes. Any longer and you might get too cold.
Purchase either calamine lotion or a nonprescription hydrocortisone, or anti-itch cream. Get an anti-itch cream that is at least 1% hydrocortisone. [21] X Research source Put on the calamine or hydrocortisone to the affected area once a day after you bathe.
Loratadine (Claritin) Cetirizine (Zyrtec) Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others)
Cover your hives with compresses for 10 to 15 minutes. You can apply them every two hours or as needed.
Choose clothing made of cotton or merino wool. This can prevent scratching and excess sweating, both of which may make your hives worse. [25] X Research source Consider long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect your skin from external irritants.
Remember that your trigger could be an allergen such as pet dander, a food allergy, a topical product such as detergent, or an environmental factor like sunlight. Limit your exposure to suspected triggers. If this relieves your hives, you’ve likely found your specific trigger. Keeping track of things such as what you eat, wear, cleanse with, and are exposed can help you point out your triggers. [27] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Be aware that sun exposure, stress, sweat, and temperature changes can cause and exacerbate hives. [28] X Research source Wash with mild or “hypoallergenic” soaps and detergents. These have fewer chemicals that may cause hives or make them worse.
