Sudden itching, raised patches that appear during flare-ups, poor sleep... hives can quickly turn your daily routine upside down. The good news is that with a few easy adjustments and some simple treatments, most cases will clear up pretty quickly. Don’t worry, we’re here to answer all your questions.
Hives, also known as urticaria, causes raised, itchy pink patches that can pop up in different places on your body.
Did you know? In the general population, around 1 in 5 people will experience at least one episode of hives in their lifetime.
Contrary to popular belief, hives are not always caused by an allergic reaction. Viral infections, medications (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc.), physical stimuli (heat, cold, pressure from a bra or belt, vibrations, exposure to light), emotional stress, and insect bites can all be to blame.
In half of all cases, the exact cause (type of urticaria) remains unknown. If you experience hives flare-ups, we suggest keeping a journal if you can. Write down the foods you ate, any medicines you took, and what you did in the 6 to 12 hours before the hives appeared. This information can help pinpoint possible external irritants more quickly than skin testing in the clinic.
The typical symptoms of urticaria are very noticeable, making it easy to tell them apart from eczema:
On darker complexions, the patches can be more discreet or purplish in colour, so it’s primarily the raised quality and pruritus (itching sensation) associated with the patches that are used to distinguish between the two.
Tip: Since hives develop rapidly, it’s a good idea to take photos of them with a reference object (wide shot, then close-up) periodically. This makes it easier for health care professionals to assess the situation.
Hives are a condition characterized by skin lesions (raised patches that itch and change location). An allergy is an immune system reaction to a specific trigger (food, medication, insect venom, etc.).
In other words, an allergy can cause hives, but not all hives are associated with allergies. They can also be caused by viral infections, stress, or an unknown cause (idiopathic urticaria).
Each lesion generally disappears from a given location in less than 24 hours. A typical flare-up resolves within a few hours or days, if it’s addressed promptly. And rest assured, it’s not contagious.
Consult a health care professional if your episodes last for a long time or come back frequently, or if they significantly disrupt your sleep or activities (e.g., night sweats, marked fatigue).
When an episode of hives lasts for longer than six weeks, it’s referred to as chronic urticaria (CU). The preferred treatment is the long-term use of second-generation oral antihistamines, with gradual adjustment if necessary. Very resistant cases may require specialized assessment (e.g., targeted therapies). Your doctor may also look into potential medical conditions associated with hives (e.g., thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome).
Chronic urticaria is a relatively common condition, affecting around 1% of the world’s population. In other words, 1 in every 100 people suffers from it. Chronic urticaria can affect children and adults alike, but women are twice as likely as men to be affected.
Hives form migratory patches that fade from a given area within 24 hours, and the skin becomes smooth again between flare-ups.
Eczema causes fixed dry or oozing lesions that are accompanied by a persistent stinging sensation. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice. In the meantime, here are 10 tips to prevent and treat eczema.
Tip: In case of a severe hives flare-up, consult your Brunet pharmacist. Our teams will give you the best advice, check your medical history, and refer you to a specialist if necessary. In an emergency, if you have any alarming symptoms, call 911.
Adopt a skincare routine designed for sensitive skin
Different skin types react differently to creams, allergens, and other products. Do you know your skin type? Take our quiz and get personalized treatment advice from our cosmetic experts.
Some people have classic food allergies (to peanuts or walnuts, seafood, etc.), while others are allergic to foods that are high in histamine (aged cheeses, cured meats, certain exotic fruits, etc.).
In some people, alcohol and spices can make pruritus worse. The idea is not to eliminate everything. We recommend observing one variable at a time to see if there’s a connection between your hives and certain foods. Your pharmacist can help you come up with a plan, so don’t hesitate to ask.
During the day, it’s best to use a non-drowsy option. At night, something with a slight sedative effect may help if the itching is keeping you awake. Most of the recommended treatments involve oral medications. The dose depends on your age, the side effects (e.g., drowsiness) of the drug, and your other medications and potential interactions.
Consult your Brunet pharmacist before taking any medication.
For children, the dosage depends on the child’s weight, and more child-friendly forms are often recommended, such as syrups and chewable tablets. We suggest consulting a health care professional if your child has a fever, joint pain, trouble sleeping, or an extensive rash.
During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, some medications are appropriate, while others are not. Rather than self-medicating, confirm each choice with your pharmacist beforehand.
There are many things that can cause hives. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between hives and allergies. In any case, if your hives persist, consult your pharmacist. Our specialists will work with you to find the right care plan for your situation and your skin.
When in doubt, make an appointment with your pharmacist. They’ll be happy to help you figure out the cause of the flare-ups, choose the right treatment, and follow up as needed.
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Last updated on July 10, 2025
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