Raised itchy welts that appear and fade within a day are usually hives. A licensed clinician reviews photos, possible triggers and how long hives have lasted, and discusses treatment when appropriate. Insurance or $50 self-pay.
Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, vomiting or faintness is an emergency: use epinephrine if prescribed and call 911.
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Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts that move around and typically fade within 24 hours, with new ones appearing elsewhere. Acute hives may follow an infection, food, medicine or insect sting, but often no trigger is found; hives lasting more than six weeks are called chronic urticaria. Non-sedating antihistamines are the usual first treatment, sometimes at higher clinician-directed doses. Hives together with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, vomiting or faintness can signal anaphylaxis, which is an emergency.