Urticaria
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Urticaria
is also called hives. Hives can change size and shape, and appear anywhere on your skin. They can be mild or severe and last from a few minutes to a few days. Hives may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis that needs immediate treatment. Urticaria that lasts longer than 6 weeks may be a chronic condition that needs long-term treatment.
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Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis,
such as trouble breathing, swelling in your mouth or throat, or wheezing. You may also have itching, a rash, or feel like you are going to faint.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your heart is beating faster than it normally does.
- You have cramping or severe pain in your abdomen.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your skin still itches 24 hours after you take your medicine.
- You still have hives after 7 days.
- Your joints are painful and swollen.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Steps to take for signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis:
- Immediately give 1 shot of epinephrine only into the outer thigh muscle.
- Leave the shot in place as directed. Your provider may recommend you leave it in place for up to 10 seconds before you remove it. This helps make sure all of the epinephrine is delivered.
- Call 911 and go to the emergency department, even if the shot improved symptoms. Do not drive yourself. Bring the used epinephrine shot with you.
Treatment for mild urticaria
may not be needed. Chronic urticaria may need to be treated with more than one medicine, or other medicines than listed below. The following are common medicines used to treat urticaria:
- Antihistamines decrease mild symptoms such as itching or a rash.
- Steroids decrease redness, pain, and swelling.
- Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
Safety precautions to take if you are at risk for anaphylaxis:
- Keep 2 shots of epinephrine with you at all times. You may need a second shot, because epinephrine only works for about 20 minutes and symptoms may return. Your provider can show you and family members how to give the shot. Check the expiration date every month and replace it before it expires.
- Create an action plan. Your provider can help you create a written plan that explains the allergy and an emergency plan to treat a reaction. The plan explains when to give a second epinephrine shot if symptoms return or do not improve after the first. Give copies of the action plan and emergency instructions to family members, work and school staff, and daycare providers. Show them how to give a shot of epinephrine.
- Be careful when you exercise. If you have had exercise-induced anaphylaxis, do not exercise right after you eat. Stop exercising right away if you start to develop any signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis. You may first feel tired, warm, or have itchy skin. Hives, swelling, and severe breathing problems may develop if you continue to exercise.
- Carry medical alert identification. Wear medical alert jewelry or carry a card that explains the allergy. Ask your provider where to get these items.
- Keep a record of triggers and symptoms. Record everything you eat, drink, or apply to your skin for 3 weeks. Include stressful events and what you were doing right before your hives started. Bring the record with you to follow-up visits with your provider.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage urticaria:
- Cool your skin. This may help decrease itching. Apply a cool pack to your hives. Dip a hand towel in cool water, wring it out, and place it on your hives. You may also soak your skin in a cool oatmeal bath.
- Do not rub your hives. This can irritate your skin and cause more hives.
- Wear loose clothing. Tight clothes may irritate your skin and cause more hives.
- Manage stress. Stress may trigger hives, or make them worse. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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