What should you know about hives on dark skin?

Hives are temporary areas of swelling in the skin. Colour changes can be difficult to see on dark skin, but the surface may feel raised, smooth, warm, itchy or burning. Welts can be round, irregular or joined together, then fade as new areas appear elsewhere. A patch that stays put, becomes scaly, crusted, blistered, painful or bruised is less typical of hives and deserves assessment.

Deeper swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands or feet can accompany hives and is called angioedema. A photograph in daylight, plus notes about timing, can help a clinician assess the episode.

Cool the skin, avoid heat and friction, and wear loose clothing. Stop newly introduced fragranced products while you consider possible triggers such as medicines, foods, infections, exercise or pressure. Keep nails short and avoid scratching. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about an oral antihistamine that suits you, particularly if you are pregnant, have another condition or use other medicines. Follow the product directions. Explore Hives and Antihistamine Treatment.

Get emergency help for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, faintness, or swelling of the tongue or throat. Seek prompt assessment for rapidly worsening facial swelling or hives with vomiting after a suspected trigger. Arrange a review for repeated flares, severe sleep-disrupting itch, painful lesions, bruising or marks that do not fade.

Could the texture and movement confirm hives? Which triggers should I record? What treatment is suitable for my other medicines or conditions? How can I monitor colour and swelling accurately on my skin?