About this topic
Hives are itchy red bumps or welts on the skin. They can happen anywhere on the body. Allergies to drugs, foods, animal fur, or bug bites can cause hives. Cold, heat, infections, being overly tired, or stress can also cause hives. You may not know why you have hives. In most of the cases, the cause is unknown. Hives are harmless and tend to go away on their own. They may fade after a few hours but then new ones may appear. Hives are often gone within a few days, but some may last for weeks. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
If you have hives: ‚
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
- Do not take hot baths or showers.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to see a special doctor to find out what you are allergic to. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat allergies
- Relieve itching and decrease the size of your hives
If your hives are bad, the doctor may give you a drug called steroids. This will help ease itching and swelling. These steroids are different from the drugs athletes take to build muscle. You will only take these for a short time. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activity may not be limited. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Do not eat any food that causes you to get hives. These foods may include eggs, shellfish, nuts, chocolate, tomatoes, fresh berries, and milk. ‚
What problems could happen?
Sometimes, hives can cause serious problems. Your throat may swell or you can have a total body allergy called anaphylaxis. Both problems make it hard for you to breathe. If you have trouble breathing, go to the ER right way. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
You can prevent hives if you know what causes them. Stay away from anything that gives you hives. If you do not know what causes your hives, it can be hard to prevent them. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
Go to the ER right away if you have hives and: ‚
- Swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
- Trouble breathing or wheezing
- Blue skin color
- Upset stomach, stomach pain, or throwing up
- Fainting or passing out
Call your doctor if your hives are very uncomfortable and dont go away. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help me feel better.
- I can tell you what I will do if I suddenly have trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Dermatology ‚
http://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/hives ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/hives.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nettle-rash/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚