What should you know about minor hives?

Hives, or urticaria, are temporary raised areas caused by release of inflammatory chemicals in the skin. Individual welts can change shape, appear in different places, and fade while new ones develop. Triggers may include an infection, medicine, food, heat, pressure, or no clear cause. [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/) and [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/) are broader descriptions. Deeper swelling around the lips, eyelids, tongue, or throat is called [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/).

Keep a note of foods, medicines, exercise, heat, pressure, and new products before the episode. Cool compresses and loose clothing may ease irritation; avoid hot showers and rubbing the welts. A pharmacist or clinician may recommend [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) after checking your age, health conditions, and other medicines. Do not increase a dose or use someone else’s prescription.

Call emergency services immediately for hives with trouble breathing, wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, or repeated vomiting. Seek prompt medical advice when swelling affects the face, hives are widespread, symptoms follow a new medicine or food, or episodes keep recurring. [Skin Swelling](/symptoms/skin-swelling/) may need assessment even when the welts themselves are mild. A clinician may consider [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/) in selected situations.

Could a medicine, infection, food, heat, or pressure be triggering these welts? Which antihistamine is suitable for me? What symptoms require emergency help, and should I keep a trigger diary?