What should you know about scratching hives?

Hives, or urticaria, are raised itchy welts that can appear and fade in different places. Pressure or scratching may trigger more welts in some people, so rubbing can create a cycle of itch and irritation. Scratching does not identify the trigger; hives can follow an infection, medicine, food, contact exposure, heat, pressure, or no obvious cause.

Deep swelling beneath the skin is called [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/). It can affect the lips, eyelids, hands, feet, or throat and may occur with hives or separately.

Use a cool compress, keep nails short, and press or tap rather than rake the skin. Choose loose clothing and avoid hot showers, vigorous exercise, and any suspected trigger until you have advice. An oral antihistamine may reduce itch for some people; discuss [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) with a pharmacist or clinician, especially for a child, pregnancy, or other medicines. Do not start oral steroids without medical direction.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, voice change, or swelling of the tongue or throat. Get urgent help for rapidly increasing facial swelling. Arrange medical assessment for hives that keep returning, last longer than expected, leave bruising, cause significant pain, or occur with fever or joint symptoms.

Could a medicine, infection, food, or physical trigger be contributing? Which antihistamine is suitable for me? What symptoms should prompt emergency help, and is further treatment such as [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/) appropriate?