Hives typically occur as a reaction to an allergen or another physical trigger, such as heat.
They can also be because of an underlying health condition.
In some cases, there is no known cause for an outbreak of hives.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
What triggers hives?
The major difference depends on how long the symptoms last.
Acute
Acute cases of urticaria are those that come on suddenly and are short-lived.
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How long do hives last?
Acute hives associated with allergies will usually resolve on their own within a few hours or days.
Chronic hives associated with autoimmunity can last six weeks or longer in some cases.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Chronic
Hives are considered chronic if they last for more than six weeks.
This may be due to an autoimmune disease or an unknown cause.
Autoimmune hives may improve by treating the underlying cause.
For example, chronic urticaria is sometimes related to autoimmune thyroid disease.
There is evidence that treating the thyroid condition may also improve urticaria symptoms.
Treatment
The best way to treat hives is to avoid getting them in the first place.
Remedies that may be helpful include:
What is the fastest way to cure hives?
There are many possible ways to treat urticaria (hives) depending on the underlying cause.
These include home remedies like a cold compress or over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines.
Medications like antihistamines and Xolair can also help people with chronic urticaria.
For some people, however, OTC medication may not be strong enough.
Certain chronic types of urticaria may require different medications, particularly if the trigger is physical rather than allergic.
Some of these include:
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By tempering inflammation, leukotriene modifiers may be useful in treating certain treatment-resistant forms of urticaria.
However, use is considered off-label, as the FDA has not approved these drugs for this purpose.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Not only may some have no effect, but a few may also end up aggravating symptoms.
One such example isturmeric, a spice widely touted as a hives remedy.
It helps reduce swelling and tempers hyperactive nerve signals that trigger itchiness.
One additive that may help further relieve symptoms iscolloidal oatmeal.
People often turn to mind-body therapies to relieve stress and the many health problems stress andanxietycan cause.
Stress can worsen chronic hives, so relaxation techniques like meditation can help.
Identifying triggers and consulting a healthcare provider are key to managing and relieving symptoms.
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