What does skin swelling feel like with hives?

Hives are raised areas caused by a reaction in the skin. Individual patches can be pale, pink, red, or similar in colour to surrounding skin, depending on your skin tone. They may appear suddenly, change shape, join together, and fade while new patches appear elsewhere. The surface often feels itchy or prickly. Swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet can be deeper and feel tight or tender.

Keep the skin cool, wear loose clothing, and avoid rubbing or scratching. Note recent foods, medicines, infections, stings, heat, pressure, or exercise that preceded the episode, but do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. A pharmacist or clinician can recommend an appropriate antihistamine and check whether the pattern needs further assessment.

Call emergency services for swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, dizziness, collapse, or a sudden combination of skin symptoms with vomiting or severe weakness. Arrange medical review when hives keep returning, last beyond a short episode, bruise, become painful, or are accompanied by fever or joint pain.

Ask whether the pattern fits hives, whether any trigger is plausible, which medicines are suitable for you, and what to do if facial swelling occurs. Bring photographs because individual welts may disappear before the appointment.