Can Telemedicine Treat Hives (Urticaria)?

Audience: adult

Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy bumps or welts on the skin that often appear suddenly. They can be caused by allergic reactions, infections, stress, or other triggers. Many people with mild or moderate hives can use telemedicine to get advice, learn about treatment options, and manage symptoms. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can review your symptoms, ask about possible triggers, and recommend treatments like antihistamines. However, some cases require in-person care, especially if hives come with difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe symptoms. Telemedicine can help you understand your condition and when to seek emergency care. It is a convenient way to get guidance, but it does not replace a physical exam or emergency treatment when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or tightness in the throat — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema) — get urgent medical attention.
• Hives accompanied by fever, pus, or severe pain — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate hives symptoms via video or phone.
• Guidance on antihistamine use and symptom management.
• Advice on avoiding triggers and when to seek in-person care.
• Follow-up consultations for ongoing symptom monitoring.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with breathing difficulty or swelling of the throat.
• Severe or rapidly spreading hives requiring urgent physical examination.
• Diagnosis of underlying causes needing skin tests or blood work.
• Treatment requiring injections or intravenous medications.

What Are Hives (Urticaria)?

Hives are red or skin-colored bumps or welts that appear on the skin. They often itch and can change shape or location quickly. Hives happen when the body releases histamine and other chemicals, causing swelling under the skin. They can last from a few hours to several days and may come and go.

Causes and Triggers

Common causes of hives include allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect bites, or environmental factors like pollen. Other triggers can be infections, stress, heat, cold, or pressure on the skin. Sometimes, the exact cause is unknown.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to talk with a healthcare provider using video, phone, or messaging. For hives, a provider can:

You can also show your skin through video to help the provider assess your condition.

When In-Person Care Is Needed

Some situations require urgent in-person care, such as:

If you experience these, seek emergency care immediately.

Managing Hives at Home

For mild hives, you can often manage symptoms at home by:

If symptoms worsen or do not improve, contact a healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your current medications and allergies ready.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started and any triggers.
• Find a well-lit area to show your skin rash if using video.
• Note any other symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling.
• Ensure a stable internet or phone connection for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s advice on medications and symptom management.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Avoid known triggers as recommended.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my hives?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it may not always identify the exact trigger without in-person tests like skin or blood tests.

Are antihistamines safe to take without seeing a doctor in person?

Many antihistamines are available over the counter and can be used safely following package instructions or telemedicine advice. However, consult a provider before starting new medications, especially if you have other health conditions.

When should I go to the emergency room for hives?

Go to the emergency room immediately if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or severe symptoms that worsen quickly.

Can stress cause hives?

Yes, stress can trigger or worsen hives in some people. Managing stress may help reduce outbreaks.

How long do hives usually last?

Hives often last a few hours to a few days. If they persist longer than six weeks, it is called chronic urticaria and may need further evaluation.

Sources

1. Urticaria (Hives) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Hives (Urticaria) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Urticaria: Clinical Features and Diagnosis — National Library of Medicine.
4. Hives (Urticaria) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.