Symptoms

Hives

The welts associated with hives can be:

• Reddish
• 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. Chronic hives can last for months or years.

Angioedema

Angioedema is a reaction similar to hives that affects deeper layers of your skin. It can appear with hives or alone. Signs and symptoms include:

• Welts that form in minutes to hours
• Swelling and redness, especially around the eyes, cheeks or lips
• Pain or warmth in the affected areas

When to see a doctor

You can usually treat mild cases of hives or angioedema at home. See your doctor if your symptoms continue for more than a few days.

If you think your hives or angioedema were caused by a known allergy to food or a medication, your symptoms may be an early sign of an anaphylactic reaction. Seek emergency care if you feel your tongue, lips, mouth or throat is swelling or if you're having trouble breathing.