Question 1

do hives normally last a long time?

Accepted Answer

Off and on: In the vast majority of cases they disappear within a few days or weeks. During that time it will come and go and move around the body. Each hive should appear and disappear rapidly (less than 24 hours). If the hive-like rash is fixed and doesn't move around or leaves scars, it's not typical hives and should be examined by a doctor. A few people will have hives for a very long time, up to years.

Question 2

for what length of time can hives last?

Accepted Answer

How long hives last: It depends on what is causing them. If it is a food/medication, they usually stop after allergen is out of your system, 1-2 wks. There is many different causes of hives. People who have autoimmune urticaria (hives) can have it for a lifetime. Usually if hives last for more than 6 weeks, they are considered chronic and a workup is done to determine cause. Unfortunately cause is not always found.

Question 3

i get hives 3 times last month. can't tell what is causing it. not allergic to anything. any ideas?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune hives: Allergic antibody (ige) binds to the surface of histamine-containing blood cells (mast cells) thru an ige-recptor. Many persons with recurrent hives make an autoimmune IgG antibody that binds to the ige-receptor and can trick the mast cell into releasing histamine when no allergic reaction is occuring. Lab testing is called a "cu-index" (lab corp or quest). This test may explain your problem.

Question 4

i went into anaphylaxis shock three weeks ago every time i try to eat i break of in hives how long does this last ?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis: After an episode of anaphylaxis, you definitely  must see an allergy specialist. You sound as if you may have a food allergy, in which case you will continue having reactions as long as you continue to eat the food causing problems . Usually it is only one main food, or a couple, that are to blame. If you had anaphylaxis once, you can have it again! get an Epipen (epinephrine) and see an allergist soon.

Question 5

took ibuprophen in past with no problem...last 3 times got severe case of hives .thought hives were autoimmune...ibuprophen allergy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, you have likely developed an allergy to ibuprofen. Do not take either this med or Naproxen in the future.

Question 6

my skin's gotten pretty itchy in last couple hour sw/hives in several places. normally wouldn't stress but had colonoscopy today. should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Possible allergy: Call the doctor who did the colonoscopy and see if he gave you any medications that you could be allergic to. Over the counter antihistaminemay be helpful.

Question 7

for what length of time can hives last after a bee sting?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on how allergic you are and whether it was multiple stings, but hives after a bee sting can last from a few hours to a few days and can be associated with other symptoms such as breathing difficulties, feeling faint, passing out and throat swelling. See an allergist for evaluation.

Question 8

i have reddish blotches on my abdomen and under breasts. no longer itchy, and no other symptoms whatsoever. hives? how long do they last?

Accepted Answer

Hives / Urticaria: It's impossible to diagnose a rash from a short description. Hives generally itch quite a bit, and they are raised like mosquito bites, so you can feel definite bumps when you rub the skin. Under the breasts, it may be more likely to be a heat rash or mild Candida. Those rashes aren't always itchy. If it was previously itchy and IS hives, it resolves in a few hours and the skin looks perfect.

Question 9

i get immunotherapy for allergies for 3 yrs now  last night i broke out in hives for first time. very scary. don't know what i got into. stress?

Accepted Answer

Call your allergist : Biggest question is whether it was within minutes or a couple hours after your allergy shot (or drops); raises the possibility of anaphylaxis. Food, medication, stings also common causes. Please check with your allergist. I have had a few patients in my career on immunotherapy who have had unrelated random hives during treatment, but don't assume it.

Question 10

11years old with hives for 4 days. taking claritin 10 mg once daily with benadryl every 6 hours but hives still coming and going. what could be done? claritin alone always helped in the past and hives would only last a day but not this time. concern?

Accepted Answer

: The claritin dose safely can be adjusted to 20-40mg a day. You can try zyrtec 20-40mg a day instead as well. Most often this will resolve over the next week or 2. An immune response from a viral illness (i.e. common cold) is the most common cause of hives in children.
Ref: Ferrante The care pathway for children with urticaria, angioedema, mastocytosis, World Allergy Organization Journal 2015,8:5

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Do hives normally last a long time

A member asked:

Do hives normally last a long time?

A member asked:

For what length of time can hives last?

A member asked:

I get hives 3 times last month. can't tell what is causing it. not allergic to anything. any ideas?

A member asked:

I went into anaphylaxis shock three weeks ago every time i try to eat i break of in hives how long does this last ?

A member asked:

Took ibuprophen in past with no problem...last 3 times got severe case of hives .thought hives were autoimmune...ibuprophen allergy?

A member asked:

My skin's gotten pretty itchy in last couple hour sw/hives in several places. normally wouldn't stress but had colonoscopy today. should i be worried?

A member asked:

For what length of time can hives last after a bee sting?

A member asked:

I have reddish blotches on my abdomen and under breasts. no longer itchy, and no other symptoms whatsoever. hives? how long do they last?

A member asked:

I get immunotherapy for allergies for 3 yrs now last night i broke out in hives for first time. very scary. don't know what i got into. stress?

A member asked:

11years old with hives for 4 days. taking claritin 10 mg once daily with benadryl every 6 hours but hives still coming and going. what could be done? claritin alone always helped in the past and hives would only last a day but not this time. concern?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?