Hives (Urticaria) - WellAlly

🚨 Medical Emergency Warning

Some symptoms may require urgent medical evaluation. Know when to seek emergency care.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. In case of emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

What It Feels Like

Hives appear as: • Red, itchy welts on skin • Raised, swollen patches • Can burn or sting • Variable sizes from small to large • Can appear anywhere on body

Types & Categories

Acute Hives

Last less than 6 weeks, often allergic.

Chronic Hives

Last more than 6 weeks, cause often unknown.

Physical Urticaria

Triggered by heat, cold, pressure, or sunlight.

Angioedema

Swelling deeper in skin, often around eyes and lips.

Common Causes

Allergic Reaction

Food, medication, or environmental allergens.

Viral Infection

Cold, flu, or other viruses.

Stress

Can trigger or worsen hives.

Temperature Changes

Heat, cold, or water exposure.

Autoimmune

Immune system attacking skin.

Risk Factors

Warning Signs & Emergency Symptoms

Warning Signs

⚠️ Hives with difficulty breathing

⚠️ Swelling of face, lips, or tongue

⚠️ Dizziness or fainting

⚠️ Hives covering most of body

🚨 Call 911 For:

! Difficulty breathing or swallowing

! Swelling of throat or tongue

! Wheezing

! Loss of consciousness

! Anaphylaxis

Immediate Actions While Waiting for Help

Self-Care & Home Management

How Doctors Diagnose This Symptom

Treatment Options

Related Medications

When to See a Doctor

Hives lasting more than a few days

Recurring hives

Hives with angioedema

Severe symptoms

Unknown trigger

Prevention & Lifestyle Changes

Prevention Tips

✓ Avoid known allergens

✓ Keep a symptom diary

✓ Manage stress

✓ Avoid extreme temperatures

✓ Be cautious with new foods/medications

Lifestyle Changes

→ Identify and avoid triggers

→ Stress management

→ Wear loose clothing

→ Temperature control

→ Dietary modifications

Related Medical Conditions

Allergies

Immune system reaction

Related Symptoms

Itchy Skin (Pruritus)

Learn more →

Skin Rash

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers hives?

Common triggers include foods (nuts, shellfish, eggs), medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs), insect stings, latex, pollen, animal dander, physical factors (heat, cold, pressure), stress, and infections.

When are hives an emergency?

Seek immediate emergency care if hives are accompanied by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, dizziness, fainting, or if you have a known severe allergy.

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可信度与质量保证

本内容由医疗专业人士审核，确保准确性和可靠性

医疗审核

本页面内容经过医疗专业团队的审核，确保符合最新的医学标准和临床实践指南。

专业团队

我们的内容由执业医生、护士和医疗作家团队创建，确保信息准确、易于理解且实用。

基于证据

所有医疗信息基于同行评审的研究、临床指南和权威医疗机构（如 CDC、WHO、Mayo Clinic）的建议。

定期更新

January 2025

我们定期审查和更新内容，确保反映最新的医学研究和临床实践。

参考资料

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Mayo Clinic

World Health Organization (WHO)

本网站提供的信息仅供参考，不能替代专业医疗建议、诊断或治疗。如有健康问题，请咨询合格的医疗保健提供者。紧急情况请立即拨打急救电话。

Medical Review Team

Dr. Michael Rodriguez, MD

Internal Medicine Physician

Internal Medicine

Dr. Rodriguez is a board-certified internist with expertise in primary care and preventive medicine.

Remember: In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

Emergency?

Call 911 immediately for severe symptoms.