What should you know about herpes hives?

Hives, also called urticaria, are raised itchy areas that can appear suddenly and move or change shape. Individual welts often fade while new ones appear elsewhere. Herpes more often produces a localised group of fluid-filled blisters that break into tender erosions, sometimes preceded by tingling or burning.

A rash is not enough to identify either condition. Swelling beneath the skin may suggest Angioedema, which can accompany hives, while a blistering or crusted sore needs a different assessment. Record when the changes began and whether heat, pressure, a medicine, an illness, or close contact preceded them.

For suspected hives, avoid a suspected new trigger and use a cool compress or loose clothing. A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether Oral Antihistamine Therapy is suitable for you. Do not apply someone else's prescription cream to a blistering sore.

If herpes is possible, avoid kissing, sexual skin contact, and sharing lip products or towels while lesions are present. Wash hands after touching the area and arrange medical advice, especially when symptoms are new or close to an eye.

Call emergency services for hives with swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, trouble breathing, faintness, or difficulty swallowing. Seek prompt assessment for painful grouped blisters, eye symptoms, rapidly worsening Skin Swelling, or a rash that is not settling.

Ask whether the lesions are welts, blisters, or another Skin Rash, what triggers to avoid, whether an antihistamine is appropriate, and whether Oral Corticosteroid Treatment has a role in severe hives.