Hives keep coming back: what to do

Recurring hives can reflect repeated exposure to a trigger, such as heat, pressure, infection, a medicine, or a food. In some people, the immune system activates hives without one obvious external cause. Welts may fade and return in new places, while deeper swelling can affect the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet.

A diary should include timing, meals, medicines, illness, exercise, temperature, pressure from clothing, and photographs. Bring it to an appointment; it can be more useful than trying to remember an episode later.

During a flare, cool the skin, avoid scratching and heat, and wear loose clothing. Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether regular oral antihistamine treatment is appropriate; follow the recommended product directions. Do not stop a prescribed medicine solely because you suspect it is related—seek advice promptly. Repeated or severe flares may need a tailored plan, and oral corticosteroid treatment is reserved for selected situations under medical supervision.

Book a medical review when hives recur, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or occur with repeated swelling. Seek emergency help for throat or tongue swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulty, faintness, confusion, or repeated vomiting. Painful lesions, bruising, fever, or marks that remain in one spot should also be assessed because they may not be typical hives.

Could my medicines or recent illness be contributing? Is there a daily treatment plan for flares? How should I respond to facial swelling? Which symptoms require emergency help? Do I need assessment for angioedema or another skin condition?