What are hives and how can you make them go away?

Hives are raised, itchy welts that can appear on your body. They may look red or match your skin tone, and they usually feel warm to the touch. Hives appear when cells in your skin release histamine, which is a chemical your body produces when it’s reacting to something it doesn’t agree with.

That something could be an allergen, like a food, medication, makeup, or a change in detergent. But hives can also turn up when you’re stressed, after getting sick, from heat, or for no discernible reason at all.

When you have hives, your skin will feel hot and itchy. As much as you can, resist the urge to scratch them. Each scratch releases more histamine into your body, worsening the hives.

Allergy medicines like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Allegra are all good options to calm the histamine response in your body. Benadryl works too, though it can make you drowsy.

Anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone and calamine lotion can soothe the skin, and a cool compress can help bring down itching and swelling. Use a gentle, unscented cleanser and moisturizer, and skip harsh antiseptics like alcohol wipes, which can make hives worse. And of course, if you suspect a culprit food or product that set off the hives, stop using it immediately.

Most hives are harmless and fade on their own. However, they can sometimes show up as the first sign of a serious allergic reaction. If your lips, tongue, or throat start to swell, you having trouble breathing or swallowing, or you feel dizzy or faint, call 911.

Short of that, call your primary doctor or dermatologist, or go to urgent care if a welt lingers for more than a day or if the hives keep coming back.

Hives are uncomfortable, but they usually go away with minimal interventions. Keep an eye out for worsening symptoms, and don’t wait to get the care you need if things take a turn.