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Hives

Care at Home

Localized Hives: For localized hives, wash the allergic substance off the skin with soap and water. If itchy, massage the area with a cold washcloth or ice. Localized hives usually disappear in a few hours and no further treatment is needed.
Widespread Hives - Take Claritin: Take an antihistamine like loratadine (e.g. OTC Claritin, Alavert) for widespread hives that itch. The adult dosage of loratadine is 10 mg by mouth once each day. Continue the antihistamine until the hives have been gone for 24 hours. Any antihistamine will do - but some cause more drowsiness than others. Loratidine is a newer (second generation) antihistamine and it causes less sedation than diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton).
- Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Cool Bath: Take a cool bath for 10 minutes to relieve itching. (Caution: avoid any chill) Rub very itchy areas with an ice cube for 10 minutes.
Remove Allergens: Take a bath or shower if triggered by pollens or animal contact. Change clothes.
Avoid Allergens: If you identify a substance that causes hives, try to avoid that substance in the future.
Contagiousness: Hives are not contagious. You can return to work or school if the hives do not interfere with normal activities.
Expected Course: Hives normally come and go for 3 or 4 days, then disappear.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.