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[Learn more](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/ad-policy) # Hives on arms and legs: What to know  [Medically reviewed]() by [Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD]() — Written by [Helen Millar]() — [Updated on September 1, 2025]() - [Causes](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms#causes) - [Types](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms#types) - [Treatments](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms#treatments) - [Prevention](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms#prevention) - [When to see a doctor](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms#when-to-see-a-doctor) - [Summary](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms#summary) Hives can occur anywhere on the body. However, exposed skin, such as arms and legs, may be more susceptible to external hives triggers such as allergens, heat, and pressure changes. Other common causes of hives include allergic reactions to food or medications, infection responses, and several underlying conditions. Hives, or urticaria, are raised rashes that appear pink or red on lighter skin and may appear purple, gray, or darker than the surrounding area on darker skin. The rashes are often itchy and uncomfortable. This article discusses the possible causes and available treatments for hives on the arms and legs. ## [Causes]()  [Share on Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2Fhives-on-arms&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2021%2F11%2Flotion_legs_hives_1296x728_header-1024x575.jpg&description=Hives%20common%20locations%3A%20Arms%20and%20legs "Share on Pinterest") Guille Faingold/Stocksy Hives typically occur when mast cells, which are part of the immune system, trigger an allergic reaction by releasing histamine into the skin. Histamine is a chemical messenger that the immune system releases in response to an injury or allergic reaction. Mast cells cause hives and [control](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555910/) how long they remain. A similar process, known as [angioedema,](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-arms) occurs when mast cells deeper in the skin release histamine. Hives can develop due to an allergic reaction to [food](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14384), medication, or something in the environment, such as being licked by a dog or from non-allergic sources, such as infection or inflammation. Individual hives typically go away within [24 hours](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555910/). However, urticaria can persist for several weeks, even months. This can result in new hives appearing as the previous ones fade. Hives can occur anywhere on the skin. They are [particularly](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555910/) common in areas of the body that experience higher pressure, such as the waistline and the groin. Read on to learn more about the causes, types, and treatments of hives. Hives can result [from](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief): - physical triggers, such as pressure - allergic reactions, such as food allergies - medical conditions, such as infection Triggers cause the immune system to respond by sending histamines and similar chemicals into the skin, where they cause hives. Triggers can [include](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/): - medication, such as [penicillin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216798) or [anti-inflammatory drugs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/otc-anti-inflammatories) - food or drink, such as [eggs](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/egg-intolerance) or [seafood](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325559) - bacterial infection, such as [strep throat](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155412) - viral infection, such as [infectious mononucleosis](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167390) - contact triggers, including [latex](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247168) - [insect bites](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/174229) or stings - allergens in the air, such as [pollen](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322256) or mold spores - physical conditions, such as cold temperature or pressure In rare cases, urticaria can be a [hereditary](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/) condition. When hives have [no known cause](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/), they are called idiopathic urticaria. ## [Types]() Urticaria can be acute or chronic. With acute urticaria, symptoms go away within [6 weeks](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/). However, when a person has chronic urticaria, the condition can persist for longer than this. There are [three](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/) types of chronic urticaria: - **Chronic spontaneous urticaria** is where the trigger is unclear, and symptoms occur at least twice each week. - **Chronic inducible urticaria** is where specific, physical triggers, such as pressure, cause hives. - **Episodic chronic urticaria** can overlap with chronic inducible urticaria, but typically, symptoms appear less than twice each week. ## [Treatments]() Treatment options include over-the-counter (OTC) medication, prescription medication, and home remedies. OTC options include [antihistamines](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/antihistamines), which a doctor may recommend taking in higher doses than typically recommended. If OTC medication does not work, a doctor may [prescribe](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/): - sedating antihistamines - systemic [corticosteroids](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/corticosteroids) for short term use - [omalizumab](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326828) (the only FDA-approved treatment for chronic urticaria) - [cyclosporine](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325563) However, medication may not always be necessary, as hives can go away by themselves. Home remedies that can help to ease symptoms [include](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief): - soothing the area with a cool compress - taking a comfortably cool bath - avoiding tight or itchy clothing and wearing loose, cotton clothes - avoiding particularly hot or cold temperatures - avoiding activities that cause sweating **»More on this:**[How to treat hives](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320268) ## [Prevention]() It is not always possible to prevent hives from developing on the arms and legs, as around [50%](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief) of people with chronic urticaria never find out what causes their hives to appear. However, if there is a clear trigger, the most effective preventive measure is to try to avoid it. ## [When to see a doctor]() See a doctor if: - hives continue to flare up for more than [6 weeks](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief) - OTC treatment is not helping - individuals want to check for potential allergies Taking a [photograph](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief) of hives before an appointment can help a doctor make a diagnosis, as the skin may clear up before the appointment. If swelling underneath the skin accompanies a rash, a person may have angioedema. This condition can cause similar symptoms but requires swift treatment, as it can [cause](https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief) life threatening swelling that affects the ability to breathe. Anyone who suspects they have angioedema should see a doctor for a diagnosis as soon as possible. Severe allergic reactions can [cause](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549890/) anaphylaxis, an extreme response that can cause a person to go into [anaphylactic shock](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/216062). Seek immediate medical attention if extreme symptoms develop. **»More on this:**[Identifying hives on black skin](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-on-black-skin) ## [Summary]() Hives, or wheals, occur when the immune system sends histamines and other chemicals into the skin in response to triggers. Urticaria can be acute, where it goes away within 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria lasts longer than this. The hives themselves disappear within 24 hours, but flare-ups may persist as new hives develop. Physical triggers, allergic reactions, or medical conditions can cause hives, and they can develop anywhere on the body. The arms and legs are more likely to react to contact triggers, such as allergens, because they have greater exposure. Hives can be itchy and uncomfortable, but they will generally go away on their own. Home remedies, such as a cool compress, can help ease symptoms. If urticaria symptoms continue, a doctor can suggest a treatment plan to help. - [Allergy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/allergy) - [Dermatology](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/dermatology) - [Food Allergy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/food-allergy) - [Seasonal Allergy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/seasonal-allergy) ### How we reviewed this article: Sources Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process). - 10 ways to get relief from chronic hives. (n.d.). <https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/hives-chronic-relief> - Dabija D, et al. (2021). Chronic urticaria. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555910/> - Kayiran MA, et al. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of urticaria in primary care. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6526977/> - Vethachalam S, et al. (2021). Contact urticaria. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549890/> Share this article  Medically reviewed by [Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers/raechele-cochran-gathers-md) — Written by [Helen Millar](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/authors/helen-millar) — Updated on September 1, 2025 ## More in [A Deeper Understanding of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/a-deeper-understanding-of-chronic-spontaneous-urticaria) - [Chronic idiopathic urticaria: Symptoms, causes, and treatment](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronic-idiopathic-urticaria) - [Foods to eat and avoid with chronic idiopathic urticaria](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronic-idiopathic-urticaria-diet) - [What causes hives that come and go daily?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hives-that-come-and-go-daily) - [View all](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/program/a-deeper-understanding-of-chronic-spontaneous-urticaria) ### Related Coverage - [What can trigger chronic idiopathic urticaria?](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronic-idiopathic-urticaria-triggers?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers) [Although there are no known causes of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives), various triggers may include allergies, pets, medications, and foods.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronic-idiopathic-urticaria-triggers?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/chronic-idiopathic-urticaria-triggers?utm_source=ReadNext) - [Eczema vs. hives: Differences](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eczema-hives?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers) [Eczema and hives are skin conditions that can occur due to external triggers. The symptoms, risk factors, and treatments tend to vary. Learn more here.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eczema-hives?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/eczema-hives?utm_source=ReadNext) - [How to manage worsening hives during summer](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-chronic-hives-summer?utm_source=ReadNext) Medically reviewed by [Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers) [Steps such as applying a cold compress and using sun protection can help a person manage chronic hives during the summer. Learn more tips here.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-chronic-hives-summer?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/managing-chronic-hives-summer?utm_source=ReadNext) - [What causes hives and how to identify it](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260?utm_source=ReadNext) [Hives are raised, itchy bumps on the skin that can occur due to an allergen. Here are pictures of hives and their potential causes.](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260?utm_source=ReadNext) [READ MORE](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157260?utm_source=ReadNext) © 2025 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. 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Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. [See additional information](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/additional-information). © 2025 Healthline Media UK Ltd, London, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. [See additional information](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/about/additional-information). 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