Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts on the skin. They can be pink or red on lighter skin and harder to see on darker skin, and they often move around, fading in one place and appearing in another within hours. Hives are very common and usually harmless, but occasionally they are part of a serious allergic reaction.

Common causes

• Allergies to foods (such as nuts, shellfish, eggs), medicines, insect stings or latex
• Infections, especially colds and other viral illnesses. This is a common cause in children.
• Physical triggers: heat, cold, pressure on the skin, sweating, exercise or sunlight
• Stress
• In many cases, especially hives that keep coming back, no cause is ever found.

How long do hives last?

Each individual welt usually fades within 24 hours. Acute hives clear within 6 weeks, and most clear within days. Hives that keep coming back for more than 6 weeks are called chronic hives and should be checked by a doctor.

How to relieve hives

• Take a non-drowsy antihistamine. Cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra) all relieve itching from hives. Compare them in our Zyrtec vs Claritin vs Allegra guide.
• Cool the skin. A cool shower or a cold, damp cloth eases itching.
• Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid rubbing.
• Avoid triggers you’ve noticed, and avoid hot baths, alcohol and tight clothes, which can make hives worse.
• Try not to scratch. It can make the welts spread.

Call emergency services if hives come with

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or wheezing
• Dizziness, fainting or a fast heartbeat
• Vomiting or severe stomach pain after eating or a sting

These can be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. If you have a prescribed adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector, use it and call for help.

See a doctor if

• Hives last more than a few days despite antihistamines, or keep coming back
• You also have a fever, joint pain or feel unwell
• Welts leave bruises, or each one lasts longer than 24 hours
• You think a medicine you’re taking caused them

More in our Allergies guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.

Minoxidil, sold as Rogaine, is one of the few hair-loss treatments you can buy without a prescription. Most people tolerate it well, but it helps to know what’s normal, what you can manage, and what means you should stop.

Common side effects

• Extra shedding in the first weeks. Many people notice more hair falling out 2 to 8 weeks after starting. This is usually a good sign: older hairs are being pushed out to make way for new growth. It normally settles within a few weeks, so keep going.
• Scalp itching, dryness or flaking. This is more common with the liquid solution, often because of the propylene glycol it contains, and slightly more common with 5% than 2%.
• Unwanted hair growth on the forehead or face, usually from the product running or being transferred on pillows or hands. It’s more common in women and with higher strengths.

How to manage them

• Apply only to a dry scalp, and only the recommended 1 mL. More doesn’t work better and increases irritation.
• Let it dry fully (2 to 4 hours) before bed so it doesn’t transfer to your face.
• Wash your hands well after applying.
• For itching, a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo can help. If irritation continues, a foam formula without propylene glycol may suit you better. Ask a pharmacist.
• Women: use the strength made for women, such as Rogaine 2%, unless a doctor advises otherwise. See Rogaine 2% vs 5%.

Rare but serious: stop and see a doctor if you get

• Chest pain or a fast or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Sudden, unexplained weight gain, or swelling of the hands or feet
• Severe scalp redness, burning or blistering

These happen because a small amount of minoxidil can be absorbed into the body, where it lowers blood pressure.

Other things to know

• Results take 2 to 4 months. If there’s no regrowth after 4 months, stop and talk to a doctor.
• Hair regrown with minoxidil is usually lost within a few months of stopping.
• Don’t use it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or under 18.
• Keep it away from cats. Even small amounts of minoxidil are highly toxic to cats.

More in our Hair Loss guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.