<s>[INST] 2-3 weeks ago i started to break out randomly in hives. at first i thought i was getting eaten up by something or bitten but they keep appearing all over me. They look like quarter to nickle sized welts and itch like crazy. My boyfriend and I live together and he is unaffected so that is what makes me think they are hives. How do i treat them and should i be worried about it being something more serious? [/INST] Hello,Thank you for asking at HCM.I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. There are many possible causes for hives such as bacterial/viral/parasitic infections, some drugs, allergies, physical conditions (temperature, sunlight, etc), thyroid disorders, immune conditions, etc etc.Hence, I would like to know many more details about your health, habits, nature of hives, response to drugs, any other medical conditions, etc.2. For symptom relief, I would suggest you to use antihistamines such as levocetirizine or cetirizine or hydroxyzine.3. Regular application of calamine lotion or moisturizer will help to improve dry skin and reduce itching.4. Please do not scratch the itchy areas as scratching aggravates itching.5. To identify possible cause, apart from detailed information, I usually suggest my patients investigations like complete blood counts, ESR, CRP, urine examination, stool examination, etc. I usually suggest investigations if my patients do not improve with regular antihistamines even after 6 weeks.Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.Wish you the best of the health ahead.Thank you & Regards. </s>