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Hives — also known as urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) — is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts that range in size from small spots to large blotches. Hives can be triggered by many situations and substances, including certain foods and medications.
Angioedema can arise with hives or alone. It causes swelling in the deeper layers of skin, often around the face and lips. Short-lived (acute) hives and angioedema are common. Most times, they are harmless, clear up within in a day and don...

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Hives

The welts associated with hives can be:
- Skin-colored, reddish on white skin, or purplish on black and brown skin
- Itchy, ranging from mild to intense
- Round, oval or worm-shaped
- As small as a pea or as large as a dinner plate
Most hives appear quickly and go away within 24 hours. This is known as acute hives. Chronic hives can last for months ...

For most people who experience acute hives and angioedema, the exact cause can't be identified. The conditions are sometimes caused by:
- Foods. Many foods can trigger reactions in people with sensitivities. Shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, eggs and milk are frequent offenders.
- Medications. Many medications may cause hives or angioedema, including penicillins, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and blood pressure medic...

If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment. Hives and angioedema often clear up on their own. But treatment can offer relief from intense itching, serious discomfort or symptoms that persist.
Medications

Treatments for hives and angioedema may include prescription drugs:
- Anti-itch drugs. The standard treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamines that don't make you drowsy. These me...

To lower your likelihood of experiencing hives or angioedema, take the following precautions:
- Avoid known triggers. If you know what has triggered your hives, try to avoid that substance.
- Bathe and change your clothes. If pollen or animal contact has triggered your hives in the past, take a bath or shower and change your clothes if you're exposed to pollen or animals.

For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.