This image displays urticaria (hives) on the palms. This image displays widespread urticaria (hives). This image displays urticaria (hives), which develops quickly and is typically accompanied by an itch. Urticaria (hives) develops quickly and has ring-like, slightly raised lesions accompanied by itch. Urticaria (hives) often form rings and ring-like shapes that quickly appear and disappear. This image displays urticaria (hives). This image displays urticaria (hives) due to an allergic reaction. This image displays a red area of swelling on the foot typical of urticaria. This image displays round, pink areas with clear zones common to urticaria (hives). This image displays pink areas of a rash surrounded by lighter areas (due to constriction of blood vessels) typical of urticaria (hives). This image displays welts and large hair follicle openings caused by swelling from urticaria (hives).
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Hives (Urticaria)  Teen information

Picture of Hives (Urticaria): This image displays urticaria (hives) on the palms. Divider line
This image displays urticaria (hives) on the palms.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
After confirming that you have hives, the physician will work with you to discover the possible cause. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and may do blood work, urine tests, or X-rays.

Obviously, the best treatment for hives is to discover the cause(s) and stop your exposure to them. However, most people with hives do not know the cause, and they require medications to get rid of the hives.

The most common medications for hives include:
  • Sleep-causing (sedating) type-1 antihistamines such as diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, or cetirizine
  • Non-sleep-causing (non-sedating) type-1 antihistamines such as loratadine, fexofenadine, or desloratadine
  • Type-2 antihistamines such as ranitidine, cimetidine, or famotidine
  • Doxepin
  • Montelukast, zafirlukast, or zileuton
In rare situations, your doctor might prescribe oral corticosteroid pills.


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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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