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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Hives and Angioedema Treatment

Call 911 if the person has:

  • Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
  • Had severe reactions in the past

See Severe Allergic Reaction Treatment.

1. Avoid the Trigger

  • Hives and angioedema that happen suddenly are usually triggered by an allergic reaction to a food, drug, infection, or insect bite or sting.
  • If you know what the trigger is, keep the person away from it.

 

2. Control Itching and Swelling

  • Give an adult an over-the-counter antihistamine. Check with a doctor before giving an antihistamine to a child.
  • Put a cool compress on the area or have the person take a cool shower.
  • Avoid strong soaps, detergents, and other chemicals that can make itching worse.

 

3. Follow Up

  • It may take days for the trigger substance to leave the body. Continue home treatment until symptoms subside.
  • If symptoms persist, or to identify the allergen that caused the hives, see a doctor.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on September 27, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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