What are hives?
Hives are raised, red, itchy bumps that show up on your skin. They can appear suddenly and move around to different parts of your body. Hives aren’t usually dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and annoying.
Causes of hives
Hives happen when your body releases a chemical called histamine, usually in response to something it thinks is harmful. This can be an allergic reaction, but sometimes hives show up without a clear reason.
Risk factors for hives
You're more likely to get hives if:
- You have allergies.
- You’ve had hives before.
- You take certain medications.
- You’ve had a recent infection or illness.
- You have a condition that affects your immune system.
Symptoms of hives
The main symptom is itchy skin with raised red or pink bumps. Other signs include:
- Bumps that change shape or move around.
- Skin swelling (especially around your eyes or lips).
- Itching that gets worse with heat or stress.
- Hives that last from a few hours to a few days.
Diagnosing hives
A doctor can usually tell it’s hives just by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms. In some cases, they may do allergy testing or blood tests to find the cause.
Treatment of hives
Most hives go away on their own, but treatment can help with itching and swelling:
- Take antihistamines.
- Avoid scratching to keep your skin from getting worse.
- Stay away from things that might be triggering the reaction.
- Use cool cloths or take a cool bath to soothe your skin.
See a doctor if the hives keep coming back or are very bad.