How long do hives last?

Hives are temporary areas of swelling in the skin. One welt may disappear while another develops elsewhere, making the rash seem continuous. Triggers can include infections, heat, pressure, foods, medicines, or contact exposures, but a clear trigger is not always found. Itching may continue after the shape has changed. Deeper swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet can occur with angioedema and needs separate attention.

Take a dated photograph when the rash appears and note activities, foods, medicines, illness, temperature, and pressure on the skin. Keep cool, avoid hot showers and tight clothing, and use gentle, fragrance-free products. A pharmacist or clinician may recommend oral antihistamine treatment. Do not alter prescribed medicines or repeat a suspected trigger without professional guidance.

Get urgent help if hives occur with throat or tongue swelling, breathing difficulty, wheezing, dizziness, faintness, or sudden weakness. Seek a medical review when the rash is severe, repeatedly returns, leaves bruising, becomes painful, or does not behave like changing itchy welts. Persistent symptoms may need assessment for another skin condition or a contributing medicine.

Does the pattern fit hives or another skin rash? What should I record if new welts keep appearing? Which symptoms would make you consider angioedema or a different cause?