RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
ChildrenHives
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.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the 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, pauses in breathing, grunting, or the skin pulling in deeply under or between the ribs.
- Being very difficult to wake or unresponsive.
- Being unusually floppy, confused or not responding as usual.
- Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
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.
