Minor Ailments

Hives

Find relief from hives with fast-acting treatments and expert pharmacist guidance.

Understanding and Treating Hives

Hives (urticaria) are raised, red, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the skin and vary in size and shape. They are typically caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, insect stings, infections, or environmental triggers. Most cases of hives are acute and resolve within a few hours to a few days. Chronic hives lasting more than six weeks may require a medical evaluation. PharmaChoice pharmacists can help identify potential triggers and recommend appropriate treatments to relieve discomfort.

Recognizing Hives

Hives appear as raised, itchy welts (wheals) on the skin that are red or skin-coloured and may have a pale centre. They can appear suddenly anywhere on the body, change shape, and move from one area to another. Hives may be accompanied by angioedema (swelling beneath the skin) around the eyes, lips, or throat.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can recommend antihistamines to relieve itching and reduce hives, as well as topical treatments for localized relief. They can help identify potential triggers based on your history and advise on when hives require urgent medical attention, particularly if they are accompanied by throat swelling or difficulty breathing.

Find Hives Relief Near You

Find a PharmaChoice pharmacy near you for fast hives relief and pharmacist guidance. Walk in anytime or book an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about hives, including causes, the best treatments, and when hives are a sign of a serious allergic reaction.

What causes hives?

Hives can be triggered by foods (nuts, shellfish, eggs), medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs), insect stings, latex, infections, stress, heat, cold, exercise, or pressure on the skin. In many cases, a specific cause cannot be identified.

How are hives treated?

Antihistamines are the first-line treatment for hives. Non-drowsy antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine are effective for most cases. Older antihistamines (diphenhydramine) may be used at bedtime. Cool compresses and calamine lotion can also help soothe itching.

Do hives go away on their own?

Most acute hives resolve within 24 hours to a few days once the triggering cause is removed or treated. Antihistamines help speed this process and reduce discomfort.

When are hives a medical emergency?

Seek emergency medical help immediately if hives are accompanied by throat tightening, swelling of the tongue or lips, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat. These may be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

What is the difference between acute and chronic hives?

Acute hives last less than six weeks and are often linked to an identifiable trigger. Chronic hives persist for more than six weeks and may occur daily without a clear cause. Chronic hives require evaluation by a physician.

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