Anyone have any advice for me on hives? scratch or not?

Avoid scratching: Scratching may intensify the itching and increase the size of the hives. Take a long acting antihistamine such as Allegra (fexofenadine) or zyrtec to help decrease the hives and itching. See an allergist if they are persistent or recurrent.

Don't scratch: Scratching hives makes them worse. Cool showers will ease the itch. Taking over the counter Cetirizine (generic of zyrtec) 10 mg, 1 tab, at bedtime, every day, will control hives in the majority of cases. If the Cetirizine doesn't control the hives then you should consult an allergist.