What should you know about mono hives?

Hives, also called urticaria, are temporary swellings in the skin caused by the release of inflammatory chemicals. A welt may be pale, pink, or red, and nearby welts can join into larger patches. Itching is common, although some people mainly notice warmth or stinging. Hives may follow an infection, medicine, food, pressure, heat, cold, or another trigger; sometimes no clear trigger is found. Deeper swelling around the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet is called angioedema and can occur with hives.

Keep the skin cool, wear loose clothing, and avoid rubbing or scratching the welts. A clinician or pharmacist can advise whether an oral antihistamine is suitable and how to take it safely with your other medicines. Make a note of recent foods, medicines, infections, heat exposure, or pressure on the skin, especially if episodes recur. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice. Hives that keep returning or last beyond a short episode deserve assessment.

Get emergency help immediately if hives occur with swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, confusion, or difficulty swallowing. Seek prompt medical advice for widespread swelling, fever, painful rather than itchy lesions, bruising that remains after the rash fades, or symptoms that persist. Emergency symptoms can develop quickly, so do not wait to see whether the welts settle.

Ask what pattern fits your episode, whether a medicine could be contributing, which antihistamine is appropriate, and what symptoms should prompt emergency action. If swelling affects the face or mouth, ask whether it could be angioedema and whether you need a written action plan.