Remove the suspected trigger (new food, medicine, supplement, detergent, soap, lotion, pet, pollen, heat, cold, pressure)
Stop any nonessential medications and contact a clinician for guidance before restarting
Use a non-drowsy antihistamine: cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine (follow label directions)
If needed, consider diphenhydramine at night (may cause drowsiness; follow label directions)
Apply cool compresses to itchy areas
Take a lukewarm bath or shower; avoid hot water
Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care; avoid scratching
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Consider topical anti-itch options such as calamine or pramoxine (follow product directions)
Avoid alcohol, tight clothing, and overheating
If hives are chronic or frequent, ask a clinician about daily non-sedating antihistamine dosing and escalation options
Seek urgent care or emergency help for trouble breathing, wheezing, throat tightness, tongue/lip swelling, dizziness/fainting, or widespread rapid swelling
If you have swelling of lips/face/eyes or symptoms keep recurring, contact a clinician promptly
If hives last more than 6 weeks, or keep returning, schedule an evaluation
If hives started after a new medication, seek medical advice the same day