Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic hives include:
– Batches of welts, called weals, that can arise anywhere on the body.
– Welts that might be red, purple or skin-colored, depending on your skin color.
– Welts that vary in size, change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly.
– Itchiness, also called pruritus, which can be intense.
– Painful swelling, called angioedema, around the eyes, cheeks or lips.
– Flares triggered by heat, exercise or stress.
– Symptoms that persist for more than six weeks and recur often and anytime, sometimes for months or years.
Finding relief: Treatment options
The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, a doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are linked with hives.
A doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to find out what may have caused your hives — especially if your hives were the result of an allergic reaction.
You may not need prescription treatment if you’re experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions. In these circumstances, a doctor might suggest that you find temporary relief by:
taking antihistaminesTrusted Source, such as diphenhydramine ( Benadryl) or – cetirizine (Zyrtec)
avoiding irritating the area
avoiding hot water, which may aggravate the hives
taking a cool or lukewarm bath with colloidal oatmeal or baking soda
Seek emergency medical care
See a healthcare professional if you have severe hives or hives that last for more than a few days.
Chronic hives do not put you at sudden risk of a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. If you get hives as part of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency care. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include dizziness, trouble breathing, and swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth or throat.
