Hives (urticaria) What i need to do?

Thanks for your query. Your symptoms are suggestive of an allergic condition know is "Urticaria". It is due to release of chemicals called "histamine" by the "mast cells" in the skin after it comes in contact with some triggers (allergens). Common causes are infections, certain medications like pain killers (containing aspirin, ibuprofen)/ antibiotics esp. Penicillin and certain foods esp. sea food. If the duration of rash is less than 6 weeks it is known is Acute urticaria and if the condition lasts for more than 6 weeks it is called Chronic Idiopathic (Spontaneous) urticaria. Hives can sometimes be associated with swelling of deep tissues leading to lips/ tongue and eye swelling called "Angioedema". This is a medical emergency which needs hospital attendance. Investigations: Skin prick or RAST test in Specialist clinic if your Dermatologist find this appropriate. In most cases no investigations is needed and avoidance of triggers will prevent the attack.

You can take other another antihistamine like Cetirizine in addition to the medication you are taking. Cetirizine sometimes causes sedation so you should be careful while driving. In addition to this there are other medications available which your Dermatologist can prescribe to control your symptoms.

Unfortunately there is no cure available for this condition but in most cases symptoms resolve spontaneously after sometime.