What not to put on hives
15 Ways to Get Rid of Hives
You may be able to relieve hives with home remedies, including aloe vera or an oatmeal bath, and over-the-counter products. But a doctor may need to treat severe or chronic hives.
Hives (urticaria) are a rash on your body. Identifying what triggered your hives is crucial to preventing them from happening again. If you can identify the trigger, you can avoid contact with it.
Although hives are often associated with allergic reactions, they can also occur due to:
Hives generally fade within 24 hours and dont require treatment.
However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- dizziness
- swelling in your throat or face
- difficulty breathing
These may indicate a severe allergic reaction and require emergency care.
If your hives are milder, continue reading to learn how to ease any discomfort and speed up the healing process.
Some remedies and other products may cause a skin reaction. Its best to do a skin patch test before applying.
In most cases, home remedies can help you find relief. Here are a few ways to soothe itchy skin:
Use a cold compress
Applying something cool to your skin can help relieve irritation and swelling. To do this, grab a bag of frozen veggies or wrap a handful of ice in a towel and apply it to the affected area for up to 10 minutes. Repeat as needed throughout the day.
Take a bath with an anti-itch solution
There are several products you can add to a bath to relieve itching. These include colloidal oatmeal or one or two handfuls of baking soda.
Learn more: How to make an oatmeal bath
Avoid products that may irritate the skin
Certain soaps may dry your skin and cause more itching when you have hives. Make sure to use a mild soap thats marketed for sensitive skin. These typically omit fragrance and irritating chemicals.
You should also avoid using irritating moisturizers or lotions. When in doubt, opt for a formula that targets sensitive skin, such as these options. Applying immediately after bathing may also help soothe the itch.
Keep things cool
Heat can make itchiness worse. Wear lightweight clothing and keep the temperature in your house cool and comfortable. Avoid sitting in direct sunlight.
If home remedies arent relieving your symptoms but you arent ready to head to the pharmacy you may want to give a few natural solutions a try.
Natural remedies arent regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so use them with caution.
Witch hazel
The natural tannins found in the herb witch hazel can help relieve irritation. Despite this, it
You can apply witch hazel to your skin like a mask a few times each day. Let it sit on the affected areas for about 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural anti-inflammatory. According to the
But, as with any new product, its important to do a skin patch test before application, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some aloe products may also have added fragrance or other chemicals, so be sure to read the label.
You can apply topical aloe vera to your hives as needed, likely a few times a day. Be sure to follow any instructions on the package.
If the above remedies arent enough to help your hives, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help relieve your symptoms. Not only can OTC options relieve itching and irritation, but they can also target your bodys histamine response, which is what causes hives.
Calamine lotion
Products containing calamine can help relieve itching by cooling your skin. You can apply calamine lotion directly to your skin:
- Make sure you mix the lotion before using it by shaking the container.
- Put some calamine lotion on a cotton pad or cloth.
- Apply the pad or cloth directly to the hives and let dry.
You can treat the hives with calamine lotion as necessary.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
This oral antihistamine can reduce rash and other allergy symptoms like itching by working from the inside out.
Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package. Benadryl usually kicks in within an hour and should start to relieve your symptoms the same day.
Benadryl may cause drowsiness.
Fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
These antihistamines typically come in 12- or 24-hour formulas to provide extended relief. Theyre also less likely to cause drowsiness than diphenhydramine.
You may need to adjust the dosage to effectively treat hives, so talk with a doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on how much to take and how often.
If youre experiencing severe or chronic hives, you may need prescription medication. Talk with a doctor about your symptoms and how you can best find relief.
Common prescription options include:
Prednisone (Deltasone)
This corticosteroid is taken orally. You should only use it for a short period of time as directed by a doctor. Corticosteroids can have side effects, especially if taken for extended periods of time. Side effects can include:
- elevated blood pressure
- elevated eye pressure (glaucoma)
- swelling
- weight gain
- immunosuppression, which means you may get infections more easily
To reduce side effects, take oral corticosteroids at a lower dose and transition to corticosteroid creams with your doctors supervision.
Omalizumab (Xolair)
This medication must be injected under the skin. This option is
- headache
- dizziness
- inner ear pain
- cold symptoms
Dapsone (Aczone)
This antibiotic is available topically and as an oral medication. This medication can treat inflammation due to hives or other skin conditions that are caused by bacterial infection. Its important to take all antibiotics as prescribed.
Antibiotics only help relieve symptoms caused by a bacterial infection.
Leukotriene-receptor antagonists
This nonsteroidal treatment option is taken orally. These drugs should be used only after steroid treatment and antihistamines have been unsuccessful. There is
- headache
- nausea
- cough
- low fever
If your symptoms worsen or last longer than a couple of days, you may want to talk with a doctor. They can identify the cause and provide medication to help relieve your symptoms. Understanding your triggers may help prevent future outbreaks.
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Key facts
- Hives, also known as 'urticaria' or 'nettle rash', is a skin rash that can occur for a range of reasons, including allergies, medicines or infections.
- A hive rash looks like red or skin-coloured raised bumps or welts on the skin, which are usually itchy.
- A hives rash is caused when the body produces a substance called histamine, which is released by the body in response to a perceived threat.
- Hives is diagnosed clinically, meaning that your doctor can diagnose the rash by talking to you and looking at your rash.
- The rash usually resolves on its own, but if a hives rash continues or get worse, antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms.
What is hives?
Hives is also known as 'urticaria' or 'nettle rash'. This skin rash can have a range of triggers, most commonly an allergic reaction. Other triggers include medicines or infections. Sometimes the trigger is unknown.
What are the symptoms of hives?
The hives rash looks like raised bumps or welts on the skin that are usually itchy, but may also sting. These can be red or skin-coloured. The raised areas of skin are known as wheals.
Patches of hives often join together to form larger swollen patches or urticaria. The affected area of skin can vary in size from quite small to about as large as a dinner plate. The patches of hives often join together to look like larger swollen patches of urticaria.
The hives rash can last for a few minutes to hours, and usually disappears within 24 hours. In rare cases, the rash can last for weeks.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes hives?
A hives rash is caused when your body produces a substance called histamine. This is a protein released by the body in response to a perceived threat (trigger).
In most cases, it is not known what triggers this reaction. Sometimes, urticaria can occur in response to:
Other triggers may include:
- cold air or water
- heat or sunlight
- vibration
- scratching
- sweating
- certain foods and drinks, such as spicy food, alcohol or coffee
In children, hives can be caused by a viral infection. This is why they sometimes go together with a cold or diarrhoea.
Hives that lasts for days at a time are almost never due to an allergy, apart from some cases of medicine allergy.
Stress rarely causes hives, but stress can make the symptoms worse.
When should I see my doctor?
You should see you doctor if you have a rash that looks like hives.
Some people have hives that don't go away or recur on a frequent basis. This is known as chronic urticaria. See your doctor if you have hives that keep coming back.
If you have taken antihistamines for your hives but they do not control the symptoms, discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor.
If your baby gets hives repeatedly, it's important to see your doctor. This could indicate an allergy to something they are frequently fed, such as cow's milk.
Sometimes hives can last for a long time. If you have hives for more than 6 weeks, your doctor may refer you for more tests to check if an underlying infection or chronic immune disorder is causing the symptoms.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How are hives diagnosed?
Hives is diagnosed clinically. Your doctor can diagnose the rash by talking to you and looking at your rash.
How are hives treated?
Hives usually resolve on its own without treatment. However, if the hives rash continues or gets worse, it can be treated with antihistamines. You can buy antihistamines over the counter at pharmacies.
Ask your pharmacist for advice on which antihistamine to take, as some will cause drowsiness, and can be taken at bed time if your rash is itchy and keeping you awake at night. Other antihistamines are not likely to cause drowsiness, so you can take them before driving or going to work or school.
To search medicines by active ingredient or brand name, use the healthdirect Medicines search feature.
Can hives be prevented?
If your hives are caused by a specific trigger, such as a food or medicine, you should avoid your known triggers.
Since most people don't know what caused their hives, it can be difficult to prevent.
Resources and support
For more information about the causes and management of hives see the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website.
The Royal Children's Hospital has a fact sheet on hives for parents to learn about care at home and more severe reactions.
You can also call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.
What to Know If Youre Breaking Out in Hives for No Apparent Reason
If your skin is breaking out in hives, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition like lupus or infection. It could also be an allergic reaction. Speaking to an allergist can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Sometimes the source of the raised, red, and itchy bumps on your skin can be a mystery.
One reason hives can be so surprising is that they can be caused by many things you might not expect including stress and exercise. Most of these unexpected causes for hives arent serious, but some are a sign its a good idea to make a medical appointment.
Read on for more information about reasons you may have hives.
Hives are an itchy reaction on your skin. They happen when a chemical called histamine is released in your body.
They can appear anywhere on your body and can be tiny pinprick-sized bumps or large raised areas that cover an entire limb. Hives often appear red or pink on white or light skin. People with darker skin might have hives that are slightly lighter or slightly darker than the skin surrounding them.
No matter the color of your hives rash, all hives share these qualities:
- raised
- itchy
- tender
- round, oval, or uneven shaped
- clearly defined border
Hives are also called urticaria. Sometimes, the cause of hives is obvious. For instance, you might have an immediate reaction to something youre allergic to such as pollen or pet dander. However, the cause isnt always clear. Hives can be sudden and surprising and seem to not have a cause.
Hives are a very common skin reaction that can come from some unexpected sources. Some causes you might not have thought of include:
- Colds and other viral infections. Sometimes hives can be caused by your immune system fighting colds and other viral infections. These hives often appear near the end of your cold or virus as youre starting to feel better. Theyre most common in children but can happen to anyone.
- Bacterial infections. Bacterial infections such as strep throat or urinary tract infections can also sometimes trigger hives as your body reacts to the bacteria. These hives will fade as the antibiotics help your body fight the infection. They might peel before healing completely.
- Chronic conditions such as lupus. Hives that last for longer than 6 weeks might be a sign of an autoimmune condition such as lupus, type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. These hives wont go away on their own. Its a good idea to make a medical appointment to get this type of hive checked out and see if a chronic condition is the cause.
- Stress. Stress can raise your internal body temperature and release adrenalin and other chemicals that might trigger hives. Stress hives tend to be located on the face, neck, chest, and arms. Theyre common in people with eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin.
- Temperature changes. Suddenly encountering hot or cold, such as stepping into a steamy shower or entering a swimming pool, can cause histamine to release and hives to form. Hives that form in response to temperature are called cold urticaria. A red and itchy area of skin often forms around these hives.
- Tight clothing. Tight clothing can cause friction that leads to irritation and to hives. Clothes that sit close to your skin can also push any bacteria on your skin surface into your pores and hair follicles.
- Exercise. A chemical called acetylcholine is released in your body when you exercise can affect your skin cells and cause irritation and hives. Exercise hives are known as exercise-induced urticaria. Some people have additional symptoms along with hives such as shortness of breath, headache, flushing, and stomach cramps.
- Inflammation of blood vessels. An inflammation of your blood vessels known as vasculitis can cause painful hives. They can leave a bruise on your skin and last for several days. Vasculitis is a serious medical condition that requires treatment by a medical professional.
- Medications. Some medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and opioids can cause an allergic reaction that leads to hives. Hives following medication might be the first sign of a medical emergency called anaphylaxis. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
Hives are often caused by identifiable allergies. Avoiding these allergens can help you avoid breaking out in hives. Common hive triggers include:
Hives can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction that needs emergency medical emergency attention. Its important to take action if you hives along with any of these symptoms:
- wheezing
- tightness in your chest or throat
- trouble breathing
- trouble talking
- swelling in your throat, face, or tongue
- nausea
- lightheadedness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911.
A doctor may prescribe you an epinephrine injector, such as an EpiPen, for future allergic reactions. Theyll teach you how to use it and answer any questions you might have. Youll keep your epinephrine injector on hand and use it if you develop hives in the future.
Youll still need to visit the emergency room after you use your epinephrine injector, but it can stop anaphylaxis from becoming deadly.
A doctor can diagnose hives and help you find the cause. They might recommend you keep a food diary to find out if there is any link between food and your hives.
You might be sent to an allergist, a doctor who specializes in treating allergies, for additional testing. This might include blood work and urine tests to look for chemicals in your body that might tell the allergists whats causing your hives.
You might also have a skin biopsy, especially if your allergist suspects vasculitis causing your hives. Hives that have lasted for longer than 6 weeks will likely necessitate testing for underlying chronic conditions.
Sometimes, a specific cause isnt found. In this case, your hives will be diagnosed as idiopathic urticaria. The word idiopathic means unknown. In this case, your doctor will still be able to help you with a treatment plan, but you wont be able to tell what to avoid to prevent hives in the future.
Treatment for hives will depend on the severity of your hives and on the cause. For instance, youll need to avoid the cause of your hives if it has been found.
Your doctor will work with you to find the right treatment for you. Common options include:
- Antihistamines. Both over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines block histamine and can treat hives. You might find that certain antihistamines are more effective for you than others. Sometimes a combination of antihistamines is recommended.
- Anti-itch lotions. Lotions to calm down itching and redness can provide relief from hives and prevent scratching.
- Antibiotics. Hives that are linked to bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics
- Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids can be taken on a short-term basis to help with severe cases of hives.
Read more about hives treatment options.
Hives can sometimes be surprising and have no obvious cause. There are actually a wide variety of things that can cause hives, including stress, colds, exercise, and temperature changes. Chronic hives can point to an underlying condition such as lupus.
An allergist can help you determine the cause of your hives and start treatment.
