About Hives & ItchingHives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear suddenly and move around the body. They may be triggered by foods, medicines, infections, heat or stress, and sometimes no cause is found.Each welt usually fades within a day, but new ones can keep appearing. Chronic hives last more than six weeks.Medicines used for Hives & ItchingNon-drowsy antihistamines such as fexofenadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine and loratadine are the main treatment, sometimes at higher doses on a doctor’s advice. Sedating antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine can help with night-time itching. Calamine lotion and cool showers soothe the skin.When to see a doctorGet emergency help for swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing or dizziness.This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.
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