How long do hives last?

A single welt usually fades within 24 hours, and an episode often settles within a day or two. If hives last more than 6 weeks, see a doctor.

Are hives an allergic reaction?

They can be, but not always. Foods, medicines and stings are common triggers, though infections, heat and stress can also cause hives, and sometimes no cause is found.

What should I take for hives?

A non-drowsy antihistamine from a pharmacy, used as directed. Ask a pharmacist, especially for children, pregnancy or if you take other medicines.

When do hives mean 911?

If there is swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheeze, breathing trouble, dizziness or collapse, particularly straight after food, a sting or medicine.

What if my child has a rash and a fever?

Do the glass test. If the spots do not fade under pressure, or your child seems very unwell, call 911.

Can I walk in to Emergency Plus with a rash?

Yes. Emergency doctors are on site 24/7, no appointment. For breathing trouble or throat swelling call 911 first.

Sudden Hives or Itchy Rash: When Is It an Emergency?

Hives can look alarming, especially if they appear after a meal or a new tablet. Most are harmless and pass. The question is whether this is a skin-only reaction or the start of a serious allergic reaction. Our main guide on allergic reaction and anaphylaxis covers the severe end; this page covers the rash.

What do hives look like?

Raised, itchy welts (wheals), pink or red on lighter skin and sometimes harder to see on darker skin.
They can be small dots or large patches.
They change shape and move around, and a single welt usually fades within 24 hours.
Sometimes there is swelling of the lips, eyelids or hands (angioedema).

What causes sudden hives?

Triggers include foods (such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk and sesame), medicines, insect stings, infections, heat or cold, exercise, and stress. Often no cause is found. If it follows a meal, see food allergy reactions and spicy food: allergy or intolerance; after a sting, see bee and wasp stings.

What helps at home?

Take a non-drowsy antihistamine from a pharmacy, following the packet or the pharmacist's advice.
Avoid the likely trigger and tight clothing.
Keep cool: a cool shower or cool compress can ease itching.
Don't scratch.
Keep a note of what you ate, drank or took before it started.

A rash with a fever and an unwell child is different: see the glass test.

Itchy rash: what could it be?

What it may be	Typical signs	When it happens	What to do
Hives only	Raised, itchy, moving welts; feel otherwise well	Minutes to hours after a trigger	Antihistamine and avoid trigger; see doctor if it lasts
Severe allergic reaction	Swollen lips or tongue, wheeze, breathless, dizzy	Within minutes of a trigger	Call 911
Rash that doesn't fade under a glass	Spots or bruise-like marks, may have fever	Any time	Call 911
Chickenpox, eczema or contact rash	Blisters, dry patches or a patch where something touched you	Days	See a doctor if unsure

When is a rash an emergency?

Call 911 or go to the ER now if:

Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat.
Wheeze, noisy or difficult breathing, or a tight throat.
Dizziness, fainting, or feeling that something terrible is happening.
Hives with vomiting or stomach cramps straight after a food, sting or medicine.
A rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, with fever or an unwell child.
Blistering rash with skin peeling, sore eyes or mouth ulcers.
A baby with a widespread rash who is floppy or feeding poorly.

See a doctor the same day if:

Hives that keep coming back for more than a couple of days.
Hives you think came from a new medicine.
Itchy rash with fever or joint pain.
Swollen lips or eyelids that are mild and not affecting breathing, after a possible trigger.

Usually fine at home if:

A few itchy welts that fade within hours and you feel well.
Itching that eases with an antihistamine.
No swelling of the face and no breathing trouble.

What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?

At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.

Sudden rash and not sure?

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.

Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313

Sources

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.