Hives

Hives are raised, itchy bumps or patches on your skin. They're very common and usually get better on their own within a few days. Most people can treat hives at home.

What do hives look like?

The main sign of hives is an itchy rash that can:

• Look like raised bumps or patches in different shapes and sizes
• Appear anywhere on your body - just in one area or spread around
• Feel itchy, stinging or burning
• Look pink or red on white skin
• Be harder to see on brown or black skin, but may look slightly different in colour to the surrounding skin

The bumps can be tiny spots or large patches. They might join together or stay separate. Sometimes they look puffy, like blisters.

What causes hives?

Hives happen when your body releases a chemical called histamine in your skin. This can be triggered by:

• Certain foods
• Contact with plants, animals, chemicals or latex
• Cold weather, cold water or wind
• Getting hot and sweaty from exercise, stress or spicy food
• Reactions to medicines, insect bites or stings
• Scratching your skin or wearing tight, itchy clothes
• Infections
• Problems with your immune system
• Water or sunlight (but this is rare)

Try to work out what triggers your hives so you can avoid it in future.

How to treat hives at home

Most hives get better within a few days without treatment. To help with the itching:

• Take cool baths or showers
• Wear loose, cotton clothing
• Try not to scratch (this can make hives worse)

Getting help from a pharmacist

Your pharmacist can recommend antihistamine medicines to help with the itching and rash. Tell them if you have any long-term health conditions, as antihistamines might not be suitable for everyone. They may not be right for young children either.

When to speak to your GP

Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:

• Your hives don't improve after 2 days
• You're worried about your child's hives
• The rash is spreading
• Hives keep coming back (you might be allergic to something)
• You have a high temperature and feel unwell
• You have swelling under your skin

When to call 999

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else has:

• Sudden swelling of lips, mouth, throat or tongue
• Very fast breathing or struggling to breathe (wheezing, choking or gasping)
• Tight throat or trouble swallowing
• Blue, grey or pale skin, tongue or lips
• Sudden confusion, drowsiness or dizziness
• Fainting and can't be woken up
• A child who is limp, floppy or not responding normally

These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction needing immediate hospital treatment.

Treatment from your GP

If needed, your GP might prescribe menthol cream, stronger antihistamines or steroid tablets. If hives don't go away with treatment, you may be referred to a skin specialist.

Remember, you can't always prevent hives, but knowing your triggers can help reduce the chances of getting them again.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.