What should I do if I develop hives?

Urticaria, commonly known as “wind rash” or hives, is a localized edematous reaction caused by dilation and increased permeability of small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes. Lesions typically resolve within 2–24 hours; however, new lesions frequently recur, leading to a protracted course lasting days to months. Urticaria is clinically common. So, what should one do when developing urticaria? Below, we address this question.

What to Do When Developing Urticaria

1. General Management

Identifying and avoiding potential triggers is essential in managing urticaria. For instance: if infection is the underlying cause, anti-inflammatory antibiotics may be prescribed under medical supervision; if certain medications induce urticaria, they should be discontinued immediately and avoided in the future; if food allergy is implicated, the offending food must be strictly excluded from the diet; patients with cold-induced urticaria should maintain warmth and avoid exposure to cold water or cold wind; and those with contact urticaria should minimize direct skin contact with suspected allergens or irritants.

2. Pharmacological Treatment

Treatment includes both systemic (oral) and topical agents. Systemic medications—such as first- and second-generation antihistamines, sympathomimetic agents, and corticosteroids—effectively control symptoms in most patients. Corticosteroids are reserved for severe cases, including serum sickness–like urticaria, laryngeal edema, or anaphylactic shock. Topical treatments include lotions or ointments, such as phenol-calamine lotion, compound alum lotion, zinc oxide lotion, and various topical corticosteroid creams.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Therapy

TCM therapy generally has fewer side effects and can help modulate allergic constitution, enhance immune function, and restore the skin’s self-regulatory capacity—thereby reducing recurrence of urticaria. Since urticaria may result from cutaneous sensitization or exposure to allergens, identifying the specific trigger is crucial. Additionally, patients should follow a light, bland diet, avoid spicy or stimulating foods, and refrain from consuming “trigger foods” (e.g., seafood, bamboo shoots, mushrooms), which may exacerbate symptoms.

The above outlines management strategies for urticaria. We hope this information is helpful to you.