What should you know about hives on feet?

Foot hives are raised areas produced by a temporary skin reaction. Socks, tight shoes, friction, heat, sweating, cold exposure or exercise can aggravate them. Foods, medicines, infections and insect stings can also precede an episode. The welts may change shape or appear on other body areas rather than staying in one spot.

Swelling may extend into the feet or ankles and can make shoes uncomfortable. Itchy skin with shifting welts fits hives more closely than a fixed scaly patch, blister, painful red area or rash between the toes. Those patterns may have other causes and should be examined if they persist.

Loosen or remove tight footwear and socks, cool the skin, and avoid scratching or rubbing. Wash off a suspected irritant and keep feet dry and comfortably cool. Note recent exercise, illness, medicines, foods, stings and any new fabric or detergent; a photograph can capture welts that disappear before review.

Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether an oral antihistamine is appropriate for you. Do not use someone else’s medicine, and check for drowsiness if you need to drive. Seek advice before taking oral corticosteroid treatment, because it is prescription treatment for selected situations rather than routine self-care.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, throat tightness, trouble swallowing, voice change, dizziness, faintness, or sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or face. These symptoms can accompany a severe allergic reaction.

Arrange prompt assessment if foot swelling is severe, one-sided and painful, the skin is hot with fever, blisters or drainage appear, walking becomes difficult, or the rash stays fixed. Medical review is also sensible when episodes recur or do not settle as expected.

Could footwear pressure, temperature, exercise, a medicine or an infection be involved? Is the swelling ordinary hives or angioedema? Which antihistamine is safe for me? What should I do if the welts spread or breathing symptoms begin?