How do hives look when they heal

In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites. Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies.

As there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives cannot be determined. People who are known to have allergies are more likely to get hives. You may also be at risk to develop hives if you are on medication or if you are unknowingly exposed to things you may be allergic to, such as food or pollen.

If you are already ill with an infection or a health condition, you may be more vulnerable to developing hives. The most noticeable symptom associated with hives is the welts that appear on the skin. Welts may be red, but can also be the same color as your skin.

They can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape. Hives are itchy, and they tend to appear in batches on the affected part of the body. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread. Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak. Individual hives can last anywhere from half an hour to a day. Hives may turn white when pressed. Sometimes the hives may change shape or form together and create a larger, raised area. Hives can occur in a variety of places on the body.

Call or seek medical attention immediately if you develop a hive outbreak around your throat or on your tongue or have trouble breathing along with hives. The most common causes of hives are allergic reactions. These can be caused by any allergen you might be sensitive to, including:. Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.

In this condition, hives are often accompanied with breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, severe swelling, and dizziness.

Call immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis. Also called chronic urticaria, this condition is marked by recurring hives that can interfere with your lifestyle.

According to the Mayo Clinic , these can last between six weeks and several months or years. While not life-threatening, this form of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. They may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as:. This form of acute hives is considered mild. Excessive scratching or continuous pressure on the skin causes it. Dermatographism usually clears up on its own in a short period of time without treatment.

The rash is often itchy and sometimes feels like it's stinging or burning. Look at other rashes in babies and children. A pharmacist can give you advice about antihistamine tablets to help a hives rash. Tell the pharmacist if you have a long-term condition — you might not be able to take antihistamines.

You could be having a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis and may need immediate treatment in hospital. A GP may prescribe menthol cream, stronger antihistamines or steroid tablets. They are usually 1 to 2 cm in size about the size of a quarter , but can be larger.

They may combine with nearby hives as they grow to form larger hives. Hives sometimes occur with inflammation in deeper layers of the skin, which causes swelling and can be painful. Usually hives only affect the skin, but sometimes they can be part of a serious allergic reaction. When this happens, you may have other symptoms such as dizziness, stomach cramps, swelling, or trouble breathing.

If you think you are having a serious allergic reaction, go to the emergency room. Hives show up quickly within minutes and fade within hours. Once faded, they leave no marks other than scratches from itching. However, new hives may show up after the original hives have gone away. For most people, the hives will come back for only a few days to a few weeks.

In some people, hives may come back every day or every few days for months to years. People of all ages can get hives. About one in five people will have hives at some point in his or her lifetime, but only one in people will have episodes that last more than six weeks. Your doctor can diagnose hives by looking at the skin, asking questions, and doing a physical exam. Because the hives can fade by the time you see your doctor, it may help to take a picture of them. Blood tests usually are not needed unless the hives have been coming back regularly for more than six weeks.

Other testing may be done if your doctor thinks a specific cause is likely. The most important treatment is avoiding the things that cause your hives, if your doctor finds out what is causing them.

Your doctor may have you take medicines called antihistamines, if needed. Many of these are available without a prescription. Sometimes your doctor may have you take more than the normal dose, but this should only be done under his or her supervision.

Sometimes other prescription medicines also are used to treat hives.