Dermatology, by video or in person
Hives (Urticaria)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Hives (Urticaria)
- Raised, itchy welts that come and go
- Welts that change shape, join up or move around within hours
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands or feet
- Burning or stinging of the skin
- Welts that appear after heat, cold, pressure, exercise or scratching
Hives, or urticaria, is a raised, itchy rash of welts that can appear anywhere on the body. Each welt usually fades within a day, but new ones can keep appearing. On dark skin the welts may be skin-coloured or slightly darker rather than red. Hives that last a few days are often set off by an infection, a food, an insect sting or a medicine, but often no cause is found. Hives that keep coming back for more than six weeks are called chronic urticaria, and they are rarely caused by an allergy; they are usually an immune problem that a specialist can treat. Sometimes hives come with swelling of the lips, eyes or face, called angioedema.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Raised, itchy welts that come and go
- Welts that change shape, join up or move around within hours
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands or feet
- Burning or stinging of the skin
- Welts that appear after heat, cold, pressure, exercise or scratching
When to See a Doctor
Call 112 or go to a hospital now if hives come with swelling of the tongue, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, feeling faint or collapsing, because this can be anaphylaxis. See a doctor if hives do not settle within a few days, keep coming back, come with fever or joint pain, or started after a new medicine. Hives lasting longer than six weeks are best reviewed by a dermatologist.
Treatment options
- A non-drowsy antihistamine taken every day while hives are active
- A higher antihistamine dose for chronic hives, only as a doctor advises
- Avoiding triggers you have noticed, such as a medicine, heat or pressure
- A short course of steroid tablets for a severe flare, from a doctor
- Specialist treatment such as injections for chronic hives that do not respond
- An adrenaline auto-injector and a plan, if you have had anaphylaxis
Common Questions
Are my hives caused by a food allergy?
Hives that appear within minutes of a particular food each time may be an allergy. Hives that come and go most days for weeks are rarely caused by food, and cutting out foods usually does not help.
Are hives contagious?
No. Hives cannot be passed from one person to another.
Can hives be treated by video?
Usually, yes. Photos of the rash help, because welts may have gone by the time of the call. A dermatologist can plan treatment and tests, and tell you what to do if swelling appears.
Need Help?
A skin specialist on a video call, who looks at the skin on camera, plans treatment and tells you if it needs to be seen in person.
See a dermatologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified dermatology specialist near you.
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