Hives all over body

Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/22/2021 - 23:32

Having hives appear all over your body can be a very stressful situation regardless of whether it is the first time or it has happened many times before.

 

Photo of hives over body. Image used with permission from DermNet New Zealand.

 

Hives will disappear without any treatment in up to 80% of people within 12 months but there are many people that suffer with hives daily for weeks, months and years.1

In the case of an allergic reaction the hives will be completely gone within 6-8 hours if the allergen (trigger) has been removed.2 If more hives appear every day and this pattern lasts for 6 weeks or more it is likely to be chronic urticaria.1

Regardless of the type of urticaria, treatments are available to provide relief from the redness and itch. These include:

  • Anti-itch, cooling skin lotions such as calamine lotion or 1% menthol in aqueous cream may help to relieve itching, but they won’t make the hives or swelling disappear any quicker.3
  • Antihistamines are often the first treatment prescribed for hives and are effective in many people.1
  • Oral steroids may be prescribed for short periods in severe cases.1
  • Other prescription options are available for people with chronic hives. Talk to your doctor to find out what is best for you.

 

If hives and itch are interfering with your quality of life, there are effective treatment options. For some of these treatments you need to be in the care of an immunologist or dermatologist. Speak to your GP about a referral to an urticaria specialist.

 

Explore on this site

Urticaria (hives) symptoms What does hives on arms and legs look like? Top 5: Itchy skin conditions

 

Locate a specialist

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Skin Cancer Foundation Australasian College of Dermatologists

 

References