A hives rash can occur due to stress, an allergic reaction or an underlying infection. They can be little pimples, welts or larger patches. Most people find them to be quite itchy. Hives can take on different shapes and even combine during the day and change their appearance.

Some people in addition to itching can have a burning or stinging feeling. Taking benadryl or an antihistamine helps relieve the itch from a hives rash and will enable you to get a good night sleep. If you need an antihistamine during the day, claritin is helpful to reduce the itch without drowsiness.

For some people the allergic reaction can effect their breathing and if you notice this or facial swelling, get immediate care. This is not something to ignore. If you’ve recently taken an antibiotic and are having an outbreak this may be a cause.Some people have an allergic reaction to penicillin. It is good to read the literature that comes with the antibiotic to see the possible side effects . Also you can have a hives rash from an insect bite. Any respiratory problem needs to be taken seriously as the throat can close up and reach a state of emergency.

Most individual hives groups will resolve within 48 hours but new ones can then appear. This cycle will usually resolve within a week, but for some people it can go on much longer. In that case it is called chronic uritcaria.

Remember that when you are itching it is good to find ways to keep your mind off it such as going to a movie or finding something absorbing. Sometimes you need to be a detective to try and figure out what the cause is. Look at what you may have changed in your environment, recent medications, possible foods that you may ingested causing a reaction and other variables.  Also, a hives rash can look like eczema, scabies pictures or other skin disorders. Be sure of your diagnosis before implementing any treatment.