What are hives?
Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. They often come and go within hours. Common triggers include foods, medications, infections, insect stings, heat, pressure and stress, though often no cause is found.
Insect bites from mosquitoes, black flies, bedbugs and other bugs can cause red, itchy and sometimes very swollen bumps, especially in kids and people who react strongly.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Insect bites and urticaria (hives).
Common symptoms
- Raised, itchy welts that may join together and move around
- Red, swollen, itchy bumps where you were bitten
- Larger swelling around a bite that’s warm and itchy
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask what you think caused it, look at the reaction, and check for any signs of a more serious allergic reaction or infection.
They may recommend or prescribe a non-drowsy antihistamine to control the itch and welts, and a medicated cream for very itchy bites. If something you’re taking might be the cause, we’ll talk about it with you and your doctor.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Cetirizine (Reactine), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Aerius), fexofenadine (Allegra), bilastine (Blexten) or rupatadine (Rupall)non-drowsy antihistamines for hives and itch
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or hydroxyzinesedating antihistamines, sometimes used at bedtime
- Hydrocortisone or desonide creammild corticosteroids for itchy bites
- Calamine lotion, or anti-itch creams with pramoxine, lidocaine, menthol or camphorsoothe the itch on the skin
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Antihistamines are usually bought off the shelf, but some drug plans cover them when a pharmacist prescribes them. Bring your plan card and we’ll check.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- Hives keep coming back for more than 6 weeks
- A bite has redness that keeps spreading, red streaks, pus or a fever (it may be infected)
- Hives come with joint pain, fever or bruising
- A tick bit you (see our tick bite page)
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or a hoarse voice
- Dizziness, fainting, or vomiting after a sting or new food or medication. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if you have one and call 911
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.