When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor immediately if hives appear after you have started taking a new medication or after you have been stung by an insect. Get emergency treatment if hives occur with wheezing, dizziness, chest tightness, breathing difficulties or swelling of the tongue, lips or face.

Prognosis

Most simple cases of hives fade quickly, and the affected skin returns to normal within hours. Even when you have episodes that recur over several weeks, without a known cause, they often stop coming back after a few months. Consult your doctor if hives persist for several days or if itching interferes with your ability to sleep or perform normal daily activities.

Additional Info

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) 611 East Wells St. Milwaukee, WI 53202 Toll-Free: (800) 822-2762 E-Mail: info@aaaai.org http://www.aaaai.org/

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network 10400 Eaton Place Suite 107 Fairfax, VA 22030 Toll-Free: (800) 929-4040 Fax: (703) 691-2713 E-Mail: faan@foodallergy.org http://www.foodallergy.org/