Hives Resource Center
Health ConditionsSkin ConditionsHives

Hives

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Hives are raised, itchy welts that result from a skin reaction. Allergies, insect bites, and certain medications may cause hives. They usually aren’t dangerous and often clear up on their own without treatment. Antihistamines can offer relief from itching and swelling; and more severe hives can be treated with anti-inflammatory or immune-suppressing drugs. In an emergency, epinephrine (a type of adrenaline) may be needed to manage a severe attack of hives.

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Causes of Hives
a person with hives on their skin
Causes of HivesMedically Reviewed by Jon E. Stahlman, MD | August 18, 2025
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FAQ

What causes hives?

Allergic reactions, infections, and certain medications can all trigger hives.

Most cases of hives resolve within a few hours to days, but some may last for weeks. Chronic hives may not go away for months or longer.

No, hives are not contagious.

Cool compresses, wearing loose, comfortable clothing, and antihistamines can help relieve itching from hives.

If you have hives that won't go away after a few days or you experience difficulty breathing or severe swelling, see your doctor.

Meet Our Experts In Hives
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Medical Reviewer

Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD combines an undergraduate English degree from Kalamazoo College and a medical degree from Michigan State University in her work as a medical writer, edito...

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Asal Naderi, MD

Medical Reviewer

Asal Naderi, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of allergy and immunology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Her areas of focus include al...

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Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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Stephen H. Kimura, MD

Medical Reviewer

Stephen Kimura, MD, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist. He's been in private practice in Pensacola, Florida, for the past 25 years with the Medical Center Clinic, a mu...

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Jon E. Stahlman, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jon E. Stahlman, MD, has been a practicing allergist for more than 25 years. He is currently the section chief of allergy and immunology at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta's Scott...

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Resources
  1. Hives (urticaria). Mayo Clinic. October 27, 2023.