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.
