1. Watch for Those Telltale Bumps
Raised red bumps are the main symptom of hives. Typically, the bumps are only slightly raised and can be medium-sized to large in appearance, like the swelling present around a bad mosquito bite. The bumps from hives can appear anywhere on the body. Any given allergic reaction may produce the bumps in just one isolated location (as in an allergic reaction to the skin) or over the entire body (such as in a reaction from eating something to which you're allergic). The bumps aren't dangerous by themselves. It's when they're combined with other symptoms of allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing and dizziness, that the situation could turn dangerous. If this is the case, seek medical attention right away.
2. Beware of Itching Too Hard
Most of the time, the red bumps caused by hives also itch. Sometimes, the itching can be intense. It's a deep itch, well below the skin, underneath the bumps, and it is usually maddening. No matter how hard you scratch, you won't quite be able to hit the exact source of the itching. Instead, you'll probably end up damaging your skin if you scratch too hard. In this case take an anti-allergy medication to ease the discomfort.
3. Look for Facial Swelling
Another symptom of hives is swelling in the lips, tongue and face. This swelling is usually not dangerous, unless it interferes with breathing. However, it can be distressing and uncomfortable, especially if it's accompanied by numbness or tingling. The swelling can be enough to make the face appear distorted and may cause concern from other people who see it. However, in most cases, the swelling will go down quickly once an anti-allergy medication is taken.
