Q:

I broke out in a huge case of hives really suddenly.  Within about an hour my whole upper body and arms and face were covered.  I took some benadryl, and the hives on my body have gone down but my face is still really swollen and puffy. How long should I wait for the swelling to go down before I get seen?

 

A:

Ask the Doc is definitely not the place to inquire about an emergency like this!  I hope you have gotten the help you need, even if it means going to the emergency room.

Any hive reaction that causes facial swelling, especially tongue, lips and throat, is an emergency that warrants a 911 call.  Don't ever hesitate as minutes make a difference.

~The Doc