What may help my rash, the hives?

Rash and hives: Rash and hives are most commonly due to allergy to food , but sometimes can be due to contact allergy.Rarely it can be related to anxiety.The treatment consists of over the counter Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and if that does not help than your doctor can prascribe a rx antihistamine and oral steroids like prednisone.But in chronic urticaria you may need long term antihistamines and h2 blockers like Cimetidine long.

Acute or chronic?: Acute (<6 weeks) think drug or food allergy, viral infection, contactants like shampoo, cosmetics, sunblock, fabric softener sheets & latex rubber. Chronic (>6 weeks) first see your md to rule/out parasites, autoimmune disease, rarely malignancy. If none of these then focus on treatment with long-acting nonsedating antihistamines, Doxepin & h-2 antagonists.