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Hives
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Symptoms

Hives

Hives are red, itchy skin bumps typically triggered by allergic reactions, infections, or stress.

Overview

Hives are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin. An allergic reaction to a drug or food usually causes them. When an allergic reaction occurs, your body releases chemicals that can make your skin swell up in hives. People who have other allergies are more likely to get hives than other people. Other causes include infections and stress.

Management and Safety

Hives are very common. They usually go away on their own, but if you have a serious case, you might need medicine or a shot. In rare cases, hives can cause a dangerous swelling in your airways, making it hard to breathe — which is a medical emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical culprits include nuts, shellfish, eggs, antibiotics (especially penicillins), NSAIDs, and certain food additives. Keep a daily diary noting everything you eat, medications taken, stress levels, and when hives appear. After a week or two, review the pattern and discuss suspected items with your doctor, who may recommend an elimination diet or allergy testing.
Seek immediate care if you develop swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or a feeling of tightness in the chest—signs of anaphylaxis. Also, if hives are accompanied by a sudden drop in blood pressure (feeling faint, dizziness) or widespread bruising, call 911.
If hives persist for > 6 weeks, they are classified as chronic urticaria. At that point, doctors often try a stepwise approach: start with a non‑sedating antihistamine at standard dose, then increase to up to four times the dose if needed. If still uncontrolled, add leukotriene receptor antagonists, omalizumab (a monoclonal antibody), or short courses of oral steroids under supervision.
Yes. Manage stress through regular exercise, mindfulness, or therapy, as stress can exacerbate urticaria. Avoid extreme temperature changes (hot showers, cold air) and wear loose, breathable clothing. Stay well‑hydrated, limit alcohol, and keep a consistent sleep schedule. These measures, combined with medication, often lower flare‑ups.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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