screening for hives

Overview

Hives are raised, itchy bumps on the skin. They happen when your body releases a natural chemical called histamine after coming into contact with a trigger. Hives can be small spots or large patches, and they often change shape or move around on the body. Most hives go away within a day.

Yes. Hives are very common. Around 1 in 5 people will have hives at some point in their life.

Hives can affect anyone, at any age. They are slightly more common in women and in people who have allergies, asthma, or an autoimmune condition.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Raised, red or skin-colored welts on the skin
• Severe itching, which may be worse at night
• A burning or stinging feeling on the affected skin
• Welts that change shape, disappear, and reappear
• Swelling of the skin, especially around the eyes, lips, or hands

Symptoms in children

• Children may have the same welts and itching as adults.
• Young children might not be able to describe the itching, but they may scratch a lot.
• Hives in children often appear after a viral infection, such as a cold, or after taking certain medicines.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may develop hives from medicines they take regularly.
• Their skin may be thinner and more sensitive, so itching may feel worse.
• Hives in older adults sometimes last longer and can be linked to other health conditions.

Causes

Main causes

• Allergic reactions to certain foods, such as nuts, eggs, or shellfish
• Allergic reactions to medicines, including antibiotics or pain relievers
• Insect bites or stings
• Infections, like the common cold or a stomach virus
• Physical triggers, such as heat, cold, sunlight, pressure on the skin, or exercise
• Stress or emotional upset

Risk factors

• Having allergies, asthma, or eczema
• Having an autoimmune condition, such as lupus or thyroid disease
• Taking certain medicines, especially antibiotics or aspirin
• Being in contact with latex, pollen, or animal dander
• Having had hives before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have hives along with trouble breathing, throat tightness, or swelling of your face or lips, call your local emergency number right away.
• If hives are severe, spreading quickly, or painful, seek care the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If hives last longer than a few days, make an appointment with your doctor.
• If hives keep coming back or you cannot find a cause, it is worth being checked.
• If hives interfere with your sleep or daily life, talk to your doctor.

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose hives by looking at your skin and asking about your symptoms, your health history, and anything you might have eaten, used, or touched recently.

Tests that may be done

• In most cases, no tests are needed.
• If the cause is unclear or if hives keep coming back, your doctor may suggest skin allergy tests or blood tests.
• Sometimes a doctor will ask you to stop certain medicines or avoid a suspected trigger to see if your hives improve.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your hives, including when they appear, what you were doing, and what you ate. This can help identify triggers. You may be referred to a skin specialist, called a dermatologist, or an allergy specialist.

Treatment

Treatment for hives focuses on easing symptoms and avoiding triggers. Most hives get better on their own, but there are simple steps and medicines that can help with itching and swelling.

Self-care at home

• Apply a cool, wet cloth to the itchy areas.
• Take a cool bath or shower without using harsh soaps.
• Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid rubbing the skin.
• Use unscented moisturizers to keep your skin calm.
• Avoid known triggers, such as certain foods, heat, tight clothing, or stress.

Medical treatments

For ongoing or severe hives, doctors often recommend antihistamine medicines that reduce itching and welts. These can be taken as tablets, creams, or liquids. If antihistamines are not enough, a doctor may prescribe other treatments, such as steroid creams or oral medicines that calm the immune system. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat hives.

Living with this condition

Living with hives means paying attention to what triggers them and avoiding those triggers when you can. Keep a simple record of your symptoms so you can spot patterns. Most people manage hives well with small changes and, if needed, medicine.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a symptom diary to track your hives and possible triggers.
• Practice stress management, such as slow breathing, mindfulness, or gentle exercise.
• Use soothing skincare products without fragrance.
• Wear sun protection and cool clothing when going outside.

Diet and exercise

If certain foods trigger your hives, avoid them. Eat a balanced diet to stay healthy. Exercise is generally good for you, but if a workout causes hives, try exercising in a cool, airy space and keep a break if you feel too warm.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with itchy, painful hives can be stressful and affect your sleep and mood. Feeling anxious or self-conscious about your skin is normal. It may help to talk to someone you trust, or to a doctor who can support your overall wellbeing.

Prevention

Hives can sometimes be prevented by avoiding the specific triggers that cause them. Once you know your triggers, you can plan ahead. But because hives can happen without a clear cause, they cannot always be prevented.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents hives.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hives. If you have symptoms, your doctor will evaluate them based on your history and a physical examination.

Complications

If left untreated

• In rare cases, hives can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can affect breathing and blood pressure.
• Severe itching can damage your skin if you scratch too much, which may lead to an infection.
• Chronic hives can disturb sleep and lower quality of life if left unmanaged.

Long-term outlook

For most people, hives are temporary and do not cause lasting harm. Even long-term hives can be well controlled with the right care. A doctor can help you find a plan that works for you, so you can feel better and get back to your normal life.

Find support

International organisations

• NHS ↗
• American Academy of Dermatology ↗

Helplines

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