What to Expect During an Outbreak of Hives

If you’ve ever suffered an allergic reaction, you might have experienced hives. These painful welts come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be triggered by anything from food to a change in temperature. Outbreaks of hives are typically acute and fade quickly, but some cases can leave you feeling hot and itchy for days on end.

The experts at Health Solutions provide care to residents in Tinley Park, Rockford, and Olympia Fields, Illinois, and Munster, Indiana. They understand how to identify and treat allergies, including chronic and acute outbreaks of hives. If you’re struggling with constant itching, redness, and swelling, it might be time to visit one of our locations to learn more.

What are hives? 

Urticaria, or hives, refers to the raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin during an allergic reaction. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the back, face, ears, and even inside the mouth. 

These welts can join together to form “wheals,” or clusters. This can make it different to differentiate between hives and skin rashes. Outbreaks of hives are often caused by specific allergy triggers, including: 

• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Foods (nuts, fruits, milk, etc.)
• Pollen 
• Latex
• Insect bites/stings 

Sometimes, hives can even occur when the body becomes too hot or sweaty. This is known as cholinergic urticaria. Regardless of what causes hives, they can quickly become uncomfortable and overwhelming. 

What should I expect? 

If hives are beginning to appear on your body, you’ve likely come into contact with an allergen. As long as you don’t start experiencing anaphylaxis, this outbreak will likely pass without incident. That doesn’t, however, make it any less unpleasant. 

Try to identify the trigger for your outbreak. This might be sitting on a fur-covered couch, eating a particular food, getting stung or bitten by an insect, or going outside. If you know what caused your outbreak, you can avoid that trigger in the future or prepare for it. 

You can calm outbreaks of hives by taking an antihistamine and applying calamine lotion or cold compresses. Avoid taking hot baths or showers, and don’t scratch at the welts. These activities open up your pores and irritate your skin further. 

Hives typically go away within a few hours, but chronic cases can take longer to clear up. If you’re concerned about the severity of your outbreak, consider visiting an allergist to discuss other medications. They can also help you identify triggers and establish a treatment plan. 

Struggling with hives outbreaks? Schedule online or by phone at any of our four Health Solutions locations. We can help!