How to treat hives

Hives are temporary raised, itchy welts that can follow an infection, medicine, food, heat, pressure, or contact exposure. The trigger may remain uncertain. Treatment depends on the person's age, pregnancy status, other medicines, health conditions, and whether deeper swelling is present. Angioedema can affect the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet and should be mentioned during assessment.

Cool the skin with a clean compress, avoid hot water, and choose loose clothing. Do not scratch, scrub, or apply new fragranced products while the rash is active. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on oral antihistamine treatment and safe dosing. If symptoms are difficult to control, a clinician may consider a short course of another medicine; use oral corticosteroid treatment only when prescribed.

Seek emergency help immediately for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Arrange medical review when hives return often, last beyond the expected episode, become painful, leave bruising, or occur with fever. Take photographs and bring the names of medicines, supplements, and products used recently.

Which treatment is suitable with my existing medicines? Could this be angioedema? Should I avoid a suspected trigger, and what is the plan if the hives return?