Hives

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Food allergies	Hives	Hives (urticaria) - close-up	Hives (urticaria) - close-up
Hives (urticaria) on the arm	Hives (urticaria) on the back	Hives (urticaria) on the back and buttocks	Hives (urticaria) on the chest
Hives (urticaria) on the chest	Hives (urticaria) on the trunk

Urticaria

Treatment may not be needed if the hives are mild. They may disappear on their own. To reduce itching and swelling:

• Avoid hot baths or showers.
• Avoid irritating the area with tight-fitting clothing.
• Apply calamine lotion.
• Take antihistamines.

If your reaction is severe, especially if the swelling involves your throat, you may require an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. Hives in the throat can obstruct your airway, making it difficult to breathe.

Hives may be uncomfortable, but they generally are harmless and disappear on their own. In most cases, the exact cause of hives cannot be identified.

• Anaphylaxis (airway is swollen, making breathing difficult)
• Life-threatening airway obstruction, if swelling occurs in the throat

Call 911 if you experience:

• Tightness in your throat
• Shortness of breath
• Tongue or face swelling
• Fainting
• Wheezing

Call your health care provider if the hives are severe, uncomfortable, and do not respond to self-care.

Review Date: 07/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.