Hives how long they last

Research has confirmed this. Other symptoms such as a fever, cough or diarrhea are also present. The hives may last 3 days. This is not an allergy.

Bacterial Infection. Some bacterial infections can also cause hives. A common example is Strep. Hives are also seen with bladder infections. UTIs Drug Reaction. An example is a penicillin rash. Most rashes that start while taking an antibiotic are viral rashes.

Food Reaction. May be an allergy or a coincidence. If the food is a high risk one such as peanuts , consult an allergist. Hives from foods usually resolve in 6 hours. Hives from infections last for days. Bee Sting. Widespread hives after a sting may be part of a serious allergic reaction.

Need to consult an allergist. Anaphylactic Reaction Very Serious. Your allergist may recommend a combination of two or three antihistamines to treat your hives, along with cold compresses or anti-itch balms to ease the symptoms.

Severe episodes of urticaria may require temporary treatment with prednisone, a similar corticosteroid medication or an immune modulator, which can reduce the severity of the symptoms.

If your reaction involves swelling of your tongue or lips, or you have trouble breathing, your allergist may prescribe an epinephrine adrenaline auto-injector for you to keep on hand at all times.

These can be early symptoms of anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock. The only treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Emergency medical services carry epinephrine and can provide prompt treatment.

You should also go to the emergency room after using an auto-injector. If the cause of hives can be identified, the best treatment is to avoid the trigger or eliminate it:. Some cases of hives last for more than six weeks and can last months or years.

This condition is known as chronic hives. If the cause cannot be identified, even after a detailed history and testing, the condition is called chronic idiopathic urticaria. Chronic hives may also be associated with thyroid disease, other hormonal problems or, in very rare instances, cancer. Even this condition usually dissipates over time. In physical urticaria, the hives have a physical cause, such as exposure to heat, cold or pressure.

Inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, can also cause hives. These hives are more painful than itchy, may leave a bruise on the skin and often last more than a day.

Find answers with an allergist. Hives Hives, also known as urticaria, affects about 20 percent of people at some time during their lives. On this page. Whether your allergist suggests a treatment available only by prescription or an over the counter treatment will depend on several factors, including how uncomfortable the hives are making you.

Find expert care. Find an Allergist. Symptoms Symptoms can last anywhere from minutes to months — or even years. While they resemble bug bites, hives also known as urticaria are different in several ways: Hives can appear on any area of the body; they may change shape, move around, disappear and reappear over short periods of time. Allergist Stanley Fineman, MD. Is It Hives or Angioedema?

The following symptoms may indicate angioedema: Swelling in the eyes or mouth Swelling of the hands, feet or throat Difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or swelling of the lining of the eyes The best way to identify your symptoms is to talk to an allergist who can diagnose and treat both hives and angioedema. Diagnosis In some cases, the trigger is obvious — a person eats peanuts or shrimp , and then breaks out within a short time.

Management and Treatment Researchers have identified many — but not all — of the factors that can cause hives. Here are a few of the most common causes: Some food especially peanuts, eggs, nuts and shellfish Medications, such as antibiotics especially penicillin and sulfa , aspirin and ibuprofen Insect stings or bites Physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, heat, exercise or sun exposure Latex Blood transfusions Bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections and strep throat Viral infections, including the common cold, infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis Pet dander Pollen Some plants Antihistamines — available either over the counter or by prescription — are a frequently recommended treatment for hives.

Rubbing or scratching: Avoid harsh soaps. Frequent baths may reduce itching and scratching — beneficial because itching and scratching can make the hives feel worse. Constant pressure: Avoid tight clothing. Pressure hives can be relieved by wearing loose-fitting clothes. Temperature: If you develop hives when exposed to cold, do not swim alone in cold water and always carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Avoid exposure to cold air and use a scarf around your nose and mouth in cold weather.

If you must be out in the cold, wear warm clothing. The high levels of histamine cause blood vessels in the affected area to open up and start to leak. The resulting fluid in the tissues causes swelling and itchiness. Different triggers might cause a person to have an outbreak of hives. Some common causes include:.

Aspirin and ibuprofen, some blood pressure medication ACE inhibitors , and codeine are medications commonly associated with hives. If a person breaks out in hives, it is important for them to know what has triggered the reaction. Certain things can make the symptoms of hives worse, including:.

Hives affect around 15 to 20 percent of people at some point during their lifetime. They are more likely to occur in women and children than men. In the majority of cases, people use home remedies to treat hives and do not seek further medical attention or intervention. Effective home remedies to treat hives include:. Some people with chronic hives have reported reduced symptoms when taking vitamin D supplements. In more severe cases of hives, medical treatment may be preferable.

Some over-the-counter options include:. The severity of a hives outbreak can vary from person to person, and while most people will be able to manage their symptoms at home, there are some cases where seeking medical attention is advisable. A doctor will examine the rash and ask questions to try to determine the cause. Blood tests and allergy tests may be used to rule out certain causes. Hives is usually very treatable and does not cause complications on its own. However, in more severe cases, angioedema may occur.

Angioedema is a buildup of fluid in layers of the skin that causes swelling and can affect the eyes, lips, hands, feet, and genitals. Medication can be prescribed to manage and reduce the swelling. A person should always speak to a doctor if hives is affecting the quality of their life.

Solar urticaria is often confused for heat rash, but it does not occur due to humidity. This is a type of distinct, circular bump that occurs due to….