Hives are sometimes serious although most hives are harmless.
While most hives are not serious some hives can be serious and be a result of a serious allergic reaction.
Having normal and chronic hives do not put you at a risk of a serious allergic reaction although if you get hives from an allergy or allergic reaction to something you should seek emergency care.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction which is called anaphylaxis are trouble breathing, dizziness, swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or throat which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Signs of severe hives are severe pain, blood blister-like spots, and bruising of the skin are not typical of hives.
Having hives along with a fever and joint pains is also not typical.
These symptoms suggest a different condition called urticarial vasculitis, which requires a different treatment.
When you have flare-ups of havives that last for six weeks or longer you should make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist, allergist, or primary care doctor.
Most people who have hives are otherwise healthy, but it's still helpful to see a doctor.
You can usually treat mild cases of hives or angioedema at home.
See your doctor if your hives or symptoms continue for more than a few days or if you think your hives or angioedema was caused by a known allergy to food or a medication, your symptoms may be an early sign of an anaphylactic reaction.
Complications of hives may include: Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulty) Swelling in the throat can lead to life-threatening airway blockage.
The standard treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamines that don't make you drowsy.
These medications reduce itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms.
They're available in nonprescription and prescription formulations.
Drugs that suppress the immune system.
The standard treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamines that don't make you drowsy.
These medications reduce itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms.
They're available in nonprescription and prescription formulations. Drugs that suppress the immune system.