How to prepare for a video visit about Hives (Urticaria)

Audience: adult

Hives, also called urticaria, are red, itchy welts that can appear on your skin suddenly. They often come and go and may be caused by allergies, infections, stress, or other triggers. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider about hives can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, possible causes, and ways to manage or treat your hives. While telemedicine can be very helpful for many cases, some situations require in-person care. This guide will help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent help. Remember, this information is for education only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• Feeling faint, dizzy, or having a rapid heartbeat along with hives — get urgent medical help.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of hives and their possible causes.
• Discussion of symptom history and recent exposures.
• Guidance on over-the-counter treatments like antihistamines.
• Advice on avoiding known triggers.
• Monitoring mild to moderate symptoms over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe allergic reactions with breathing difficulty or swelling of the throat.
• Hives accompanied by signs of anaphylaxis or shock.
• Cases requiring immediate physical examination or emergency treatment.
• When skin symptoms worsen rapidly or are accompanied by fever or infection signs.
• Situations needing diagnostic skin tests or blood work that cannot be done remotely.

What are Hives (Urticaria)?

Hives are raised, red or skin-colored bumps or welts that can be itchy or cause a burning feeling. They often appear suddenly and may change shape or move around the body. Hives can last from a few minutes to several hours and sometimes come back over days or weeks. They happen when the body releases histamine and other chemicals in response to triggers.

Common Causes and Triggers

Hives can be triggered by many things, including:

Identifying triggers can help manage and prevent hives.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit lets you show your healthcare provider your skin and describe your symptoms in real time. The provider can:

Telemedicine is convenient and safe for many cases of hives.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention, such as:

If you have these signs, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet for your video visit.
• Have your device (phone, tablet, or computer) ready and charged.
• Prepare to show the affected skin areas clearly on camera.
• Write down when your hives started and any possible triggers you noticed.
• List all medications, supplements, or treatments you are currently using.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid known triggers as recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you develop severe symptoms like difficulty breathing.

FAQs

What causes hives to appear suddenly?

Hives can appear suddenly due to your body's reaction to allergens, infections, stress, or physical triggers. Your immune system releases chemicals like histamine that cause the skin to swell and itch.

Can I treat hives at home?

Mild hives often improve with over-the-counter antihistamines and by avoiding triggers. Cool compresses and loose clothing may help with itching. However, if hives are severe or persistent, see a healthcare provider.

When should I see a doctor for hives?

See a doctor if hives last more than a few days, keep coming back, are very uncomfortable, or if you have symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Can stress cause hives?

Yes, stress can trigger or worsen hives in some people by affecting the immune system and causing the release of chemicals that lead to skin reactions.

Are hives contagious?

No, hives are not contagious. They result from your body's reaction to triggers and cannot be spread from person to person.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.