(2,3)
Red bumps on the skin can seem like a somewhat generic description.
Couldnt that indicate a number of possible skin issues?
How can you know if its hives youre experiencing and not something else?
Heres what to know about hives and their unique symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Hives?
Sometimes they itch, burn, or sting.
Usually the welts will be surrounded by clear edges.
They may look similar to bug bites, but hives generally will appear and disappear more quickly.
They may itch, sometimes severely, and theyre not always the same size or shape.
They may be as small as the tip of a pen or as large as a dinner plate.
(4)
Generally, youll know you have hives simply by seeing the hives themselves.
These symptoms indicate you may be experiencing a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
He says one way to tell the difference is by how quickly the welts clear up.
Also, check out the welts up close.
Hives are often mistaken for the following skin issues:
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
As mentioned, acute hives will usually disappear within 24 hours.
It might seem like longer, though, because new hives may appear when old ones go away.
In total, you could be dealing with hives for six weeks.
But sometimes hives do warrant a visit to the doctor or the emergency room in severe cases.
They will likely run special tests to identify possible triggers that are causing the breakout.
(3)
Be on the lookout for more threatening symptoms, too.
If you suspect angioedema (mentioned above), you should visit the emergency room immediately.
Jon E. Stahlman, MD, has been a practicing allergist for more than 25 years.
He received his bachelor’s and medical degrees from Emory University.
Stahlman is board-certified and recertified in allergy and clinical immunology.
What Are Hives?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
