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Quick Appointment Booking

Get hives treatment online with a fast and convenient appointment. Speak to a doctor from home, discuss symptoms, and receive a personalised plan to ease discomfort and itching. Start feeling better without leaving your home.

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Effective Hives Treatment

Find effective relief with hives treatment online. Our doctors can create a tailored plan to manage symptoms and prevent outbreaks. Get support through personalised advice and guidance, helping you take control of your skin’s health.

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Reliable Medical Support

Access expert medical support for hives treatment online. Experienced doctors will help you understand triggers, suggest lifestyle adjustments, and recommend suitable treatments. Take the steps toward clearer, itch-free skin with easy online consultations.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Are Hives?

Hives, also called urticaria, are red or skin-coloured bumps on the skin. They’re usually raised and can range in size from tiny dots to large patches, sometimes merging to form bigger areas called plaques. Hives often feel very itchy, but they may also sting or burn. The rash might look different depending on your skin tone, appearing red, pink, or flesh-coloured on lighter skin or lighter or darker than your usual skin colour on brown or black skin.

 

Most hives are acute, meaning they appear suddenly and clear up on their own within a day or two. You can manage the itching with allergy medications. However, in some cases, hives can become chronic, lasting for weeks or even longer. If hives are linked to severe allergic reactions or persist over time, it’s important to seek medical advice.

Hives Symptoms

Hives can be different sizes and colours, and their appearance can change quickly. Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Raised, Itchy Bumps can be tiny, like a pinprick, or grow to several inches wide.

  • Colour Changes: Bumps may be pink, red, or match your skin tone. Pressing on them often turns the centre pale.

  • Quickly Changing Spots: Hives can appear suddenly and fade within 24 hours, but new ones may continue to form.

  • Large, Swollen Patches: Sometimes, smaller hives combine to create bigger, swollen areas called urticaria.

  • Moving Rash: The rash can move from one part of your body to another, disappearing in one spot and reappearing elsewhere.

  • Temporary Swelling: Areas like your lips, eyelids, ears, or even fingers may swell, which is common and usually not dangerous.

Severe Reactions

In rare cases, hives may be part of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause swelling in the throat or airway, making it hard to breathe. If this happens, it’s an emergency and needs immediate medical attention.

Hives Causes

The release of a chemical called histamine causes hives. Your body produces histamine when it senses something as a threat, like an allergen or irritant. This reaction leads to the raised, itchy rash we know as hives. However, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact trigger in many cases.

Common Triggers

  • Allergies: Hives can be caused by allergic reactions to certain foods, medicines, insect bites, or plants. Typical food triggers include eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, milk, and shellfish. Some medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can also cause hives.

  • Infections: Viral or bacterial infections, such as a cold or strep throat, are frequent triggers, especially in children.

  • Physical Factors: Heat, cold, sunlight, or sweating can trigger hives in some people. Even pressure on the skin from tight clothing or scratching can cause a reaction.

  • Environmental Irritants: Plants, fragrances from soaps or lotions, and animal dander may also irritate the skin and lead to hives.

Less Common Triggers

  • Stress: While stress doesn’t usually cause hives, it can worsen or prolong symptoms.

  • Other Conditions: In some cases, underlying health issues like autoimmune diseases may lead to chronic hives. When hives last long without a known cause, they’re called chronic idiopathic hives.

Hives are generally harmless but can be uncomfortable. Severe allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Hives Treatment

Treating hives depends on how severe the symptoms are and whether they’re acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Most mild cases can be managed with simple at-home remedies, while more severe reactions may require medical treatment.

Home Care For Mild Hives

For mild, short-term hives, you can try the following:

  • Antihistamines: Over-the-counter options like cetirizine (Zyrtec®), loratadine (Claritin®), fexofenadine (Allegra®), or levocetirizine (Xyzal®) can relieve itching and reduce the rash.

  • Cooling The Skin: Apply a cold compress or take a cool or lukewarm bath. Add colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to the bath for extra relief.

  • Avoid Irritants: Clear known triggers like certain foods, fragrances, or tight clothing.

  • Soothe The Itch: Use soothing creams or antiseptic ointments to help prevent secondary infections.

Medical Treatment For Severe Or Chronic Hives

  • Prescription Antihistamines: For persistent cases, doctors may recommend taking antihistamines daily to manage symptoms.

  • Steroids: Short-term use of oral steroids like prednisone may be necessary, but they should be used sparingly to avoid side effects.

  • Omalizumab (Xolair®): This injectable medication is used for chronic hives that don’t respond to standard treatment. It works by blocking the substance that causes allergic reactions.

  • Epinephrine (EpiPen®): For life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), immediate use of an epinephrine auto-injector is crucial. Symptoms like severe swelling or difficulty breathing require emergency care.

If your hives are linked to an underlying condition, your doctor will also treat that condition. Always seek medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Hives Prevention

While it’s not always possible to prevent hives, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of an outbreak. Here are some useful tips:

  • Identify Triggers: Keep a diary to note potential triggers that cause hives. Common culprits include certain foods, pollen, stress, or extreme temperatures.

  • Avoid Known Triggers: Try to avoid these triggers once you identify what sets off your hives. For example, stay indoors when pollen counts are high if pollen affects you.

  • Use Gentle Products: Switch to mild, fragrance-free soaps, detergents, and skin creams to minimise skin irritation.

  • Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. Stress doesn’t directly cause hives but can make symptoms worse.

  • Consider Medications: Take over-the-counter antihistamines if you’re exposed to allergens or have known allergies. Consult a doctor to determine if any medications could be triggering your hives.

  • Allergy Shots: If allergies are a major issue, ask your doctor about allergy shots to lower your chances of experiencing hives.

  • Wear Loose Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothes to avoid irritating your skin, especially in warm or humid weather.

These preventive measures can help manage acute and chronic hives and improve overall comfort. Mobi Doctor provides quick and convenient online consultations for hives. Our experienced doctors can help identify your triggers, suggest effective treatments, and guide you in managing and preventing future outbreaks—all from the comfort of your home.

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