Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTopical TreatmentsSide EffectsEffectivenessPrecautionsOther Treatment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Topical Treatments
Side Effects
Effectiveness
Precautions
Other Treatment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
Hives, known medically asurticaria, are red, itchybumpsthat appear on the skin.They often go away on their own but sometimes require medications to provide relief as they can be very uncomfortable. Additionally, hives can be long-term orchronic, coming and going for months or even years.
This article will provide an overview of topical treatments for hives, including how they are applied, possible side effects, and more.
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Topical Treatments for Hives
These medications do not permanently cure hives, but they can help to:
Calamine Lotion
Hydrocortisone Cream
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Cream
Benadryl cream (diphenhydramine) is a type of medication called anantihistamine. Histamine is a chemical in the body that leads to hives. Antihistamines block the histamine to treat the reaction.
Aczone (dapsone) is a type of medication called an anti-infective, which is used to treat infections or prevent them from occurring.It is also an anti-inflammatory medication and helps to reduce the reaction and swelling of hives.This medication is available in pill form to treat hives. The topical form has been approved to treat acne.
The side effects of topical treatments for hives depend on the medication. While side effects are much less likely with topical medications compared to the oral versions, like drowsiness that can come with antihistamine use, they are still possible.
For example, topical corticosteroids can lead to more hair growing in the area treated, or they can make the skin condition worse.Reactions can vary in different people.
Side Effects of Topical TreatmentsAcneorrashBurning or stinging of eyes or open skinIncrease in symptomsMore hair growthRednessSkin irritationSpreading of infectionThinningof skin
Side Effects of Topical Treatments
AcneorrashBurning or stinging of eyes or open skinIncrease in symptomsMore hair growthRednessSkin irritationSpreading of infectionThinningof skin
Effectiveness of Topical Treatments
Topical treatments for hives are intended to lessen the reaction and relieve the symptoms until they go away, not cure the condition permanently.They can be effective at providing relief from symptoms depending on the person and the severity of the reaction.
However, topical treatments are not always enough. At times, multiple medications (topical and other) are used together.
Topical treatments for hives are not always a good idea. For example, they should not be used if the hives are in asensitivearea or if the skin is open, and some medications are only recommended for people above certain ages.Additionally, just like oral medications, dosing differs among individuals. Corticosteroids need to be measured and applied in safe amounts.
Lotions or creams should not be used:
Topical treatments are not the only way to address hives. In some cases, this may not be enough to control the symptoms. Anyone experiencing long-term hives, severe discomfort, or any signs of severeallergicreaction, such as difficulty breathing, should seek medical care right away.
Call 911 or seek medical care right away if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a severe allergic reaction such as:Swelling in the mouth or airwaysTingling in the mouthWheezingordifficulty breathingFeelingdizzyor confusedLight-headedness orloss of consciousnessExposure to a knownallergen
Call 911 or seek medical care right away if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a severe allergic reaction such as:
In addition to topical treatment options, other treatments for hives include:
Summary
Topical treatments such as antihistamines and corticosteroids can help. Lifestyle and behavioral changes can help as well. Oral medications are available for more severe cases if other options are not effective enough.
A Word From Verywell
Experiencing hives can be very uncomfortable and challenging, especially when the symptoms do not resolve quickly. If you or someone you know has red, itchy bumps on the skin or suspects hives, help is available. Reach out to a healthcare professional such as a primary care practitioner for support. Urticaria is treatable with topical creams and medications, home remedies, and oral medications.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe best topical cream or other treatment option for hives depends on the individual, the cause of the hives, and the severity of the symptoms. Antihistamines such as Benadryl are often tried first.Topical creams have doses just like any other type of medication. It is possible to use too much, so it is important to check usage guidelines and measure the amount that is applied to the skin to prevent side effects and adverse reactions.The side effects of using topical creams to treat hives depend on the type of medication. Some possibilities include an increase in symptoms, skin irritation, and burning of the eyes or open skin. It is important to check the possible side effects of the individual medication and follow usage guidelines or the recommendations of a medical professional.
The best topical cream or other treatment option for hives depends on the individual, the cause of the hives, and the severity of the symptoms. Antihistamines such as Benadryl are often tried first.
Topical creams have doses just like any other type of medication. It is possible to use too much, so it is important to check usage guidelines and measure the amount that is applied to the skin to prevent side effects and adverse reactions.
The side effects of using topical creams to treat hives depend on the type of medication. Some possibilities include an increase in symptoms, skin irritation, and burning of the eyes or open skin. It is important to check the possible side effects of the individual medication and follow usage guidelines or the recommendations of a medical professional.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.Joy N.Calamine lotion.JSSTD. 2022;4(1):83-86. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_77_2021National Health Service.Steroids.National Health Services.Hydrocortisone for skin.National Health Service.Antihistamine.Limpongsanurak W, Tuchinda P, Chularojanamontri L, Chanyachailert P, Korkij W, Chunharas A.Clinical practice guideline for diagnosis and management of urticaria.Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2016;34:190-200.Pfizer.What are anti-infectives?American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dapsone.National Health Service.Diphenhydramine.National Health Service.Corticosteroids.Cedars Sinai.Urticaria (hives) in children.Allergy Institute.Don’t scratch that itch! Understanding hives and how to find relief.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.Joy N.Calamine lotion.JSSTD. 2022;4(1):83-86. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_77_2021National Health Service.Steroids.National Health Services.Hydrocortisone for skin.National Health Service.Antihistamine.Limpongsanurak W, Tuchinda P, Chularojanamontri L, Chanyachailert P, Korkij W, Chunharas A.Clinical practice guideline for diagnosis and management of urticaria.Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2016;34:190-200.Pfizer.What are anti-infectives?American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dapsone.National Health Service.Diphenhydramine.National Health Service.Corticosteroids.Cedars Sinai.Urticaria (hives) in children.Allergy Institute.Don’t scratch that itch! Understanding hives and how to find relief.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Diagnosis and treatment.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.Joy N.Calamine lotion.JSSTD. 2022;4(1):83-86. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_77_2021National Health Service.Steroids.National Health Services.Hydrocortisone for skin.National Health Service.Antihistamine.Limpongsanurak W, Tuchinda P, Chularojanamontri L, Chanyachailert P, Korkij W, Chunharas A.Clinical practice guideline for diagnosis and management of urticaria.Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2016;34:190-200.Pfizer.What are anti-infectives?American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dapsone.National Health Service.Diphenhydramine.National Health Service.Corticosteroids.Cedars Sinai.Urticaria (hives) in children.Allergy Institute.Don’t scratch that itch! Understanding hives and how to find relief.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.
Joy N.Calamine lotion.JSSTD. 2022;4(1):83-86. doi:10.25259/JSSTD_77_2021
National Health Service.Steroids.
National Health Services.Hydrocortisone for skin.
National Health Service.Antihistamine.
Limpongsanurak W, Tuchinda P, Chularojanamontri L, Chanyachailert P, Korkij W, Chunharas A.Clinical practice guideline for diagnosis and management of urticaria.Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol. 2016;34:190-200.
Pfizer.What are anti-infectives?
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dapsone.
National Health Service.Diphenhydramine.
National Health Service.Corticosteroids.
Cedars Sinai.Urticaria (hives) in children.
Allergy Institute.Don’t scratch that itch! Understanding hives and how to find relief.
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