Your guide to understanding Hives 

What are Hives?

Hives (otherwise known as Urticaria) are characterised by circular red, raised and itchy wheals on the surface of the skin. They may look like mosquito bites, with a red outer rim and a white centre. They can cause a rash, which may occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the torso, throat, arms and legs. Wheals may vary in size from relatively small to the size of a dinner plate. Individual hives usually disappear within minutes, however, they may come and go for days, weeks or sometimes longer. ¹

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) estimates that up to 20% of Australians will develop hives at some time during their lifetime.²

What causes an outbreak of Hives?

Hives can be due to several different causes, including infections, allergic reactions, medications and physical triggers. However, for many people the cause is not identified. In chronic urticaria, a cause is not identified in approximately 80% of cases.³

Allergic reactions: Allergens are the substances responsible for an allergic reaction. They can include everything from insect venom (such as bee and wasp stings) to foods and medicines.²

Physical and emotional causes: Hives may also be triggered by exercise, sweating, sunshine, heat, cold temperatures and emotional stress.²

Infection: Infection from a virus is the most common cause of hives in children, especially if they last for more than 24 hours.²

What is the treatment for Hives

Mild outbreaks of hives may not need treatment and may clear up within a few days on their own. To minimise the symptoms of hives, you can:

If the cause of the hives has been identified, avoid the causative factors as much as possible.

Telfast® 180 mg may provide relief from the symptoms of hives (urticaria) in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over. Telfast Oral Liquid may provide relief from itchy skin and hives in children aged 6 months to 11 years.

The duration of treatment depends on the type and duration of your complaint. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about how long to take Telfast.

If Telfast does not relieve your symptoms, do not take extra tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

MAT-AU-2601535 -1.0 - July2026