What should you know about medication for hives on body?

Hives are raised, itchy welts that can appear on different body areas and change shape or position. Individual welts often fade while new ones appear. Triggers can include infections, medicines, foods, heat, pressure or may remain unclear. Angioedema is deeper swelling that can affect the lips, eyelids, hands or throat. The appearance alone cannot identify the trigger, so a medication history and timeline are useful.

A clinician or pharmacist may recommend an oral antihistamine to reduce itch and welts. Take it only as directed and check whether it causes drowsiness or interacts with other medicines. Avoid known triggers when one has been identified, and use cool compresses rather than scratching. An oral corticosteroid may be prescribed for selected severe episodes, but it is not suitable for self-directed repeated use. Keep a record of foods, medicines, illness and exposure before each flare.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness or difficulty swallowing. Seek prompt assessment for widespread blistering, fever, painful skin, or hives that began after a new medicine. Recurrent episodes deserve review even when they settle.

Ask which antihistamine fits your health history, whether any medicine should be avoided, and how to recognise angioedema or a serious reaction.