Hives: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hives?
A primary care doctor can often recognize and treat hives. An allergist (a doctor who treats allergies) or a dermatologist (a skin doctor) can help if hives last a long time or keep coming back. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are hives?
Hives are raised, usually itchy, red bumps on the skin. They are also called welts. The medical word for hives is urticaria. Hives are very common. Most cases are harmless and go away on their own.
Hives are not contagious. You cannot catch them from another person. Some people with hives also get angioedema, which is swelling deeper in the skin.
Symptoms
Common signs of hives include:
- Itching.
- Red or skin-colored welts with clear edges. On darker skin, hives often match the skin tone and can be harder to spot.
- Welts that grow, spread, and join together into larger patches.
- Welts that change shape, vanish, and come back within minutes or hours. It is unusual for one welt to last more than 48 hours.
- Dermatographism, which means "writing on the skin." Hives show up right where the skin is pressed or scratched.
Angioedema around the mouth or throat can be severe and can block the airway. For most people, a case of hives lasts a few days to a few weeks. Hives that last 6 weeks or longer are called chronic hives.
Causes and who gets it
In an allergic reaction, the body releases histamine and other chemicals. These cause itching and swelling. People with other allergies, such as hay fever, often get hives.
Many things can trigger hives. These include animal dander, insect bites, medicines, pollen, and foods such as shellfish, fish, nuts, eggs, and milk. Other triggers include emotional stress, extreme cold or sun, sweating, exercise, and contact with water. Pressure on the skin can also trigger hives.
Infections such as a cold, strep throat, or a urinary tract infection can lead to hives too. The immune system reacts to the infection by making histamine. Some illnesses, such as lupus and other autoimmune diseases, can be linked to hives. Often the cause is not known.
How doctors diagnose it
A provider can usually tell you have hives by looking at your skin. A history of an allergy that causes hives makes the answer even clearer. Sometimes a skin biopsy (a small skin sample) or blood tests are done. Specific allergy testing is not useful in most cases of hives.
Treatment
Mild hives may not need treatment. They may disappear on their own. To ease itching and swelling, do not take hot baths or showers, and do not wear tight clothing. A provider may suggest an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy). An antihistamine is a medicine that blocks histamine. Follow your provider's instructions or the package instructions.
Other prescription medicines taken by mouth may be needed, especially for chronic hives. A severe reaction, especially with throat swelling, may need an emergency shot of epinephrine (adrenaline) or steroids. A dermatologist can successfully treat chronic hives. Most chronic hives go away on their own in less than 1 year.
To help prevent hives, avoid things that give you allergic reactions.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or the local emergency number if you have fainting, shortness of breath, tightness in your throat, swelling of the tongue, face, mouth, or throat, or wheezing. Problems swallowing or breathing, a light-headed or faint feeling, and a racing heart also need emergency care.
Contact your provider if hives are severe, uncomfortable, and do not respond to self-care.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at your rash, help you think through possible triggers, and talk about treatment options. They can also refer you to an allergist or dermatologist if hives last a long time or keep coming back.
Common questions
Are hives contagious?
No, hives are not contagious. Hives cannot spread from one person to another. Some people get hives when they catch a cold or strep throat, because the immune system reacts to the infection by making histamine.
How long do hives last?
For most people, a case of hives lasts a few days to a few weeks. Hives that last 6 weeks or longer are called chronic hives. Most chronic hives go away on their own in less than 1 year.
Are hives dangerous?
Most cases of hives are harmless and go away on their own. Hives can become an emergency if swelling reaches the throat and blocks the airway. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction that causes breathing difficulty.
Why do I get hives for no clear reason?
Often the cause of hives is not known. Many people never find out what is causing their hives. Even when the cause is unknown, hives can be treated effectively.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Hives (Medical Encyclopedia)
- American Academy of Dermatology - Hives: FAQs
- MedlinePlus - Hives
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
