Getting hives accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or shortness of breath could indicate a severe allergic reaction.
Rash
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Hives usually appear as raised bumps that turn white (blanch) when you press them.
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They have a red or skin-colored base.
What Do Allergic Hives Look Like?
The appearance of hives remains the same regardless of the underlying cause.
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They will almost always appear red or the color of your skin and raised with a white blanchable center.
Allergic hives often appear alongside other symptoms, which can indicate the need for immediate treatment.
Rashes have a wide variety of triggers, and hives are a specific kind of rash.
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Rashes can be resulting from many things, from infections to simple irritations.
They will likely ask about your history of allergies and previous rashes.
You might even be referred to anallergy specialist(allergist).
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This process helps the provider identify a more precise cause of your skin rash or irritation.
Treatment
The treatment of rashes vs. hives depends on the underlying cause.
Hives usually go away on their own within a day or so.
Rashes
Since there are various causes for rashes, the treatment also varies.
Most rashes can be treated at home with over-the-counter antihistamines or topical creams.
However, there are cases of rashes that can indicate something more serious.
This can mean avoiding certain fabrics or changing yourlaundry detergent.
Your healthcare provider can perform testing to help you identify specific allergies.
Allergic reactions are unpredictable.
For food and medication allergies, the best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the trigger.
However, it is important to distinguish the differences between the two terms.
An allergy usually causes hives.
If you experience other symptoms with hives, like shortness of breath or swelling, seek immediate medical attention.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Rashes.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment.
National Institutes of Health.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Contact dermatitis overview.
