What should you know about dry hives?

Hives, also called urticaria, are temporary raised areas caused by inflammatory chemicals released in the skin. Individual welts can change shape or fade while new ones appear elsewhere. The skin may feel dry because scratching, hot water, or a harsh cleanser has weakened its surface, but dryness itself is not the defining feature of hives. Itchy Skin and Skin Rash can help you compare related symptoms. Deeper swelling of the lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat is called Angioedema and needs particular caution.

Keep a simple record of new foods, medicines, infections, heat, pressure, or exercise around the time the welts appear. Use cool compresses, lukewarm showers, fragrance-free cleanser, and loose clothing. Avoid scratching and rubbing. A clinician or pharmacist may recommend Antihistamine Treatment, with the choice and dose guided by your health history. Oral Corticosteroid Treatment is not a routine self-care option and should only be used when prescribed.

Call emergency services immediately if hives occur with trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, faintness, or sudden swelling of the tongue or mouth. Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly worsening facial swelling, repeated episodes, or welts that leave bruising, pain, or persistent marks. Skin Swelling without breathing symptoms still deserves timely assessment when it is significant or progressing.

Could a medicine, infection, pressure, or contact exposure be triggering these welts? Is an antihistamine appropriate for me? How can I distinguish ordinary hives from Angioedema? What should I do if symptoms return at night?