⚡ Acute Hives (Acute Urticaria)
Acute hives are sudden, red, itchy, raised welts on the skin that appear quickly and last less than 6 weeks (usually a few hours to days).
🔍 Causes
- Allergic reactions to:
- Foods (nuts, shellfish, eggs)
- Medications (antibiotics, NSAIDs)
- Insect stings or bites
- Infections (viral, bacterial)
- Physical triggers (heat, cold, pressure)
- Stress or environmental factors
⚠️ Symptoms
- Raised, red, itchy welts (wheals) that may move around the body
- Swelling (angioedema), especially around eyes, lips, or throat
- Symptoms usually resolve within days to weeks
🛠️ Treatment
- Antihistamines to relieve itching and reduce swelling
- Avoid known triggers
- Corticosteroids (short-term) if severe
- Epinephrine injection for severe allergic reactions/anaphylaxis
🛡️ When to Seek Emergency Care
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, tongue, or throat
- Dizziness or fainting