Sugar and hives: what to know

Hives are raised, itchy areas that can appear and fade, sometimes shifting location. A reaction after a dessert may involve milk, egg, nuts, wheat, fruit, flavourings or preservatives rather than sugar. Heat, pressure, infection, medicines and emotional stress can also trigger hives. Swelling around the lips, eyelids, hands or throat can occur with angioedema. Photograph the skin and note the meal, timing, exercise, medicines and other symptoms.

Avoid the suspected food until a clinician reviews the episode, but do not remove large food groups without guidance. Cool compresses, loose clothing and gentle skin care may reduce irritation. A clinician may recommend an [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) and explain when other treatment is appropriate. Do not take someone else’s prescription or repeatedly challenge the food yourself.

Call emergency services immediately for breathing difficulty, throat tightness, voice change, tongue swelling, faintness, confusion or repeated vomiting. These symptoms can signal a severe allergic reaction. Get prompt medical advice for hives that are widespread, recurrent, painful, bruised-looking, or accompanied by fever or joint symptoms. Persistent swelling may need assessment for [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/).

Which ingredient is most suspicious? Do I need an emergency action plan? Should I use an antihistamine, and at what dose? Could a medicine, infection or physical trigger be involved?