What should i do if i have what appears to be hives?

Don't panic: Hives are pretty common affecting 25% of the population. They are itchy and can be prominent but are not life threatening. Triggers of acute hives includes food allergy, medication allergy, insect sting or bite and sometimes infections. Typically an antihistamine such as claritin, (loratadine) zyrtec or Allegra can bring relief. To help identify the trigger, see an allergist, so it won't happen again.