 [ Symptoms ] what are standard treatments for hives [ Disease ] the first step in controlling hives is to identify the cause if possible once you have identified the source of the problem try to avoid exposure to it in the future a mild case of hives often disappears on its own after a few hours a longer lasting case should respond to the manufacturer is recommended dosage of an over the counter oral antihistamine if your hives do not disappear in a few days see a doctor if you develop symptoms of angioedema or anaphylaxis get medical help immediately for chronic or especially troublesome outbreaks of hives your doctor will probably order a course of prescription antihistamines treatment with oral corticosteroids will sometimes reduce swelling when antihistamines do not work but they are usually reserved for more severe cases if you have the subsurface welts of angioedema you may require hospitalization