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Hives are raised, itchy bumps or patches on the skin that can appear anywhere and last for a few days. Learn how to check if it's hives, what triggers it, and how to treat it with antihistamines or other medicines.
- Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines often used to relieve symptoms...
- Angioedema
You'll usually have a raised, itchy rash if an allergic...
- Rashes in Babies and Children
Hives rash on the thigh and hip of a child with light brown...
- Steroid Tablets
Steroid tablets, also called corticosteroid tablets, are a...
- Antihistamines
- What Are Hives?
- What Causes Hives?
- Types of Hives
- Hives Symptoms
- Diagnosing Hives
- Hives Treatment
- Are Hives Serious?
- How Long Do Hives Last?
- Complications of Hives
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Hives (or urticaria) is an itchy rash caused by tiny amounts of fluid that leak from blood vessels just under the skin surface. A trigger causes cells in the skin to release chemicals such as histamine. The chemicals cause fluid to leak from tiny blood vessels under the skin surface. The fluid pools to form wheals or welts. The chemicals also cause...
Hives can be triggered by a number of different physical causes. The reason why a rash appears in affected people is not clear. The physical stimulus causes a release of histamine and other chemicals, which causes the rash. Some known triggers include: 1. A physical stimulus. Where this is the case the condition is calledinducible urticaria. In thi...
Hives can be classed as follows: 1. Acute - if it develops suddenly and lasts less than six weeks. Most cases last 24-48 hours. In some cases the rash only lasts a few hours. About 1 in 6 people will have at least one bout of hives in their lives. It can affect anyone at any age. Some people have recurring bouts of acute hives. 2. Chronic - if it p...
An itchy rash is the main symptom of hives (urticaria). The rash can appear anywhere on the body. Small, raised areas called wheals develop on the skin. The wheals look like mild blisters and are itchy. Each wheal is white or red and is usually surrounded by a small red area of skin which is called a flare. The wheals are commonly 1-2 cm across but...
Are any tests needed?
Usually no tests are needed. The rash is very typical and is easily recognised as hives by doctors. In a few cases it is clear what caused the rash from the events leading up to it, for example if recently stung by a nettle or starting new medication.
A symptom diary
A symptom diary may be helpful in working out if there is a specific cause. A diary might also show if the rash relates to stress, exercise or sunlight. It may help rule out certain causes.
Skin-prick allergy tests
In some cases, if it appears to be related to an allergy, tests such as skin-prick allergy testsmay be helpful. Tiny quantities of substances which might cause an allergy are placed on the skin in a special order. If the skin reacts, there may be an allergy to that substance.
Often no treatment is necessary, as the rash commonly goes within 24-48 hours. A cool bath or shower may ease the itch. Calamine lotion or menthol 1% in aqueous cream can help with itching, although if it is left on for too long the itch may come back. These can be bought without a prescription. Once it is clear what causes the hives, it may be pos...
Usually not. The rash is itchy but normally fades within a day or so and causes no harm. Most people with hives (acute urticaria) do not feel too unwell unless they have a cold or flu that is triggering the rash. The cause of the rash is not known in more than half of cases and it is commonly a one-off event. However, hives may be more serious in t...
Inducible urticaria most commonly occurs in healthy young adults. As a rule, hives triggered by physical stimuli tend to improve and become less troublesome with time (often going, or being much less troublesome, after 2-5 years). Acute hives usually last less than six weeks. Most cases last 24-48 hours and in some cases the rash only lasts a few h...
There are usually no serious complications, but the itch can be very annoying and difficult to ignore. If skin is scratched excessively then there is a risk of infection.
Hives are itchy red or white bumps on the skin that look like a nettle rash. They are caused by a release of histamine due to physical stimuli, allergies, infections, or other factors. Learn about the types, diagnosis, and treatment of hives.
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.
People also ask
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What causes hives (urticaria)?
Learn about the causes, types, features, diagnosis and treatment of urticaria (hives), a common skin condition characterised by itchy weals and angioedema. Find out how to assess the severity and impact of urticaria on quality of life.
Oct 14, 2022 · Hives are itchy bumps or splotches on the skin that result from an allergic reaction or other triggers. Learn about the types, causes, diagnosis and treatment of hives, and how to prevent them.
Jul 18, 2023 · Hives are itchy, raised welts on the skin that can be caused by allergies, infections, stress, or other factors. Learn how to identify, prevent, and treat hives with pictures, tips, and FAQs.
Mar 16, 2024 · Learn about hives, a type of rash that causes itchy welts on the skin. Find out the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hives and how to manage them.
