RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsHives
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Contact the GP or NHS 111 if hives are not improving after 2 days, the rash is spreading, swelling develops under the skin or there is fever with feeling unwell.
- Seek advice sooner if worried about a child, or if the rash started after a new medicine.
- Arrange GP review for repeated episodes or symptoms not controlled by the recommended treatment.
- Use the emergency advice below for lip, mouth, tongue or throat swelling, even if an itchy rash has happened before.
- For mild symptoms without any of the urgent or emergency warning signs listed here, a community pharmacist can advise on self-care and suitable medicines. Tell them the patient’s age, other medicines and any pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can direct you to another service if needed.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat.
- A tight throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Sudden faintness, collapse or becoming very drowsy after a possible allergic reaction. A rash may be absent.
- If a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector is available, use it immediately and call 999. If there is no improvement after 5 minutes, use a second injector if available. Do not stand or walk.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
Sources
- NHS - Urticaria (hives)https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hives/
- NHS - How pharmacies can helphttps://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/
- NHS - Anaphylaxishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/
- NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
- NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/