This is known as acute hives. However, as the American Academy of Dermatology explains(1), new hives may appear to take the place of those that disappear, so you may end up suffering from a case of hives for days or even weeks.In some cases, hives will go away on their own even if you do nothing. Itâs important to understand, though, that hives â itchy red welts that may appear anywhere on the body â can be caused by many different things.
He says one way to tell the difference is by how quickly the welts clear up.“Hives will usually have an area of skin that welts up, goes away in a few hours, and then reappears somewhere else,” he says.
As mentioned, acute hives will usually disappear within 24 hours. However, as the American Academy of Dermatology explains(1), new hives may appear to take the place of those that disappear, so you may end up suffering from a case of hives for days or even weeks. If you suspect angioedema (mentioned above), you should visit the emergency room immediately. It might seem like longer, though, because new hives may appear when old ones go away. “Sometimes they itch, burn, or sting.”Usually the welts will be surrounded by clear edges. (2) If the rash tends to pop up on and off again over a stretch of time, you may want to visit an allergist. If you’re treating your hives (more on that in a minute), and you haven’t seen improvement in a few days, Stevenson recommends making an appointment with a dermatologist. Acute hives – Most cases of hives last no longer than six weeks. “If the welts are filled with clear fluid, pus, or are brownish in color, it is likely not hives,” says Dr. Palep.Hives are often mistaken for the following skin issues:As mentioned, acute hives will usually disappear within 24 hours. For example, welts may first appear on a child’s stomach and vanish within an hour, replaced by new ones on their back. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques. They can last for hours, or up to one day before fading. With more mild cases (meaning that symptoms are similar to the common cold or … These symptoms indicate you may be experiencing a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. How long do hives last in children? How Long Do Hives Last? There are a variety of possible causes for hives (or reasons that histamine and other chemicals get released by the body in the first place). In total, you could be dealing with hives for six weeks. (3)Be on the lookout for more threatening symptoms, too.