If you have a case of hives that lasts for more than a few days, it's time to call the doctor. Sometimes, but not always, hives occur as part of a more serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Seek medical attention right away if you experience hives along with: Dizziness.
If a person has hives, they have a risk of developing a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Being aware of other symptoms of this condition, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, a rapid heartbeat, or lightheadedness is important.
If you have hives along with fever, nausea, stomach cramps, shortness of breath, and a drop in blood pressure after a bee sting, insect bite, or drug injection, that can be a sign of a life-threatening allergy.
Acute hives can develop and resolve on their own within 6 weeks, while chronic hives can last much longer. Doctors treat acute and chronic hives differently, so it is advisable for people to speak with a medical professional about this symptom, especially if the hives last longer than 6 weeks.
Hives can last a variable amount of time. Usually, eruptions may last for a few minutes, sometimes several hours, and even several weeks to months. Most individual hives last no more than 24 hours.
Hives are best treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine or topical creams like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. Antihistamine medications suppress the histamine that is released from the body, causing your itchy reaction. Topical treatments work on your skin's cells to stop the histamine from being released.
Hives usually are caused by other things besides infection, although it could be from a virus. It could be from an allergen, or some sort of an allergy that you have. It could be from a hormonal change. And it even could be emotional in some situations.
Hives can also be a sign of a bacterial infection like a urinary tract infection or strep throat. While most bacterial infections are not life-threatening, they can become serious if left untreated.
Usually hives only affect the skin, but sometimes they can be part of a serious allergic reaction. When this happens, you may have other symptoms such as dizziness, stomach cramps, swelling, or trouble breathing. If you think you are having a serious allergic reaction, go to the emergency room.
Acute hives — Most cases of hives are acute and will not last beyond a few days to one week or two. Triggers of acute hives can include the following: Infections – Infections can cause hives in some people.
The wheals generally appear in clusters, with one cluster getting worse as another gets better. Most wheals disappear without a trace within a few hours, only to be replaced by a new one elsewhere on the skin.
Stress rashes often appear as raised red bumps called hives. They can affect any part of the body, but often a stress rash is on the face, neck, chest or arms. Hives may range from tiny dots to large welts and may form in clusters. They may be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.
Hives are sometimes worse at night. Some evidence suggests that mast cells, the cells responsible for releasing histamine, are sensitive to circadian rhythms, which may explain it. 3 Allergens in bedding or temperature changes in the room could also be a factor.
Often, hives are an allergic reaction brought on by certain foods, fabrics or chemicals. But other times, extreme weather, sweat or plain old stress can trigger an outbreak — without warning. They're more common in women and often appear for the first time in your 30s, 40s or 50s.
Yes, the itch can drive you crazy, but scratching hives may cause them to spread and become even more inflamed, says Neeta Ogden, MD, an allergist in private practice in Englewood, New Jersey, and a spokesperson for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Viral infections are the main cause of hives in children. Influenza, mononucleosis (“mono”), RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), the common cold, urinary tract infections, and many other viruses can cause hives in children and adults. We now know that COVID-19 is also a virus that causes hives in some patients.
Complications. Chronic hives don't put you at sudden risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you do 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.
If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis this is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else is experiencing anaphylaxis. If you have urticaria, without the symptoms of anaphylaxis, visit your GP if your symptoms don't go away within 48 hours.