What should you know about red welts on skin?

Hives can appear suddenly as raised pink or red patches, often with itching. The shape and location may change as some areas settle and others develop. Pressure from tight clothing, heat, exercise, infections, foods, medicines, or contact with an irritant can precede an episode. Angioedema affects deeper tissue and may cause swelling around the eyes, lips, hands, or feet. A fixed patch that remains in one place, feels hot or painful, forms blisters, or leaves bruises is less typical of simple hives.

Cool the skin with a clean compress, choose loose clothing, and avoid rubbing or hot water. Photograph the welts and record when they began, how long each area lasts, and any new medicine, food, illness, product, heat, or pressure. Ask a pharmacist or clinician whether oral antihistamine treatment is suitable for you. Oral corticosteroid treatment may be considered for a severe episode by a clinician, but should not be started from someone else’s prescription.

Get emergency help for difficulty breathing, throat tightness, faintness, or swelling of the tongue or mouth. Seek urgent care when facial swelling is progressing, vomiting accompanies the welts, or you feel suddenly very unwell. Arrange a medical review for recurring episodes, persistent lesions, pain, fever, blistering, or bruising.

Do the welts fit hives, angioedema, or another skin problem? What should I avoid while the cause is unclear? Which treatment is safe for my age, health conditions, and current medicines?