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Antihistamines

Related terms · Allergy medication · Itching medication

Antihistamines are primarily used to reduce hives (wheals) and itching. Depending on the type, the degree of drowsiness and the dosage instructions vary.

Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25
01

What are antihistamines?

These are medications that block the action of histamine to reduce hives and some itching symptoms. Antihistamines are primarily used to reduce hives (wheals) and itching. Depending on the type, the level of drowsiness and the dosage instructions vary.

02

How is it different from similar conditions?

They are not medications that treat the cause of all itching, and their role may differ from the inflammatory treatment of dermatitis.

03

Why is this important in skin care?

Record the name of the medication taken, the time, and the reaction of the symptoms.

04

What should be checked based on my symptoms?

Confirm with the prescribing medical staff regarding driving, work, drowsiness, and concurrent use with other medications.

Related conditions and medical guidance

Check guides where this term is used

Condition GuidanceUrticariaThe representative symptom of urticaria (hives) is itchy wheals that suddenly appear. They may appear as round bumps, wide plaques, or linear shapes and can merge together; depending on skin tone, they may look red, pink, or similar to the surrounding skin color. A single wheal usually disappears within a day, but new skin changes appear in other locations, making the rash feel as if it is moving. In addition to itching, it may sting or burn, and angioedema, swelling of deeper skin layers such as the eyelids, lips, hands, and feet, may accompany it. Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting require immediate emergency assistance.Condition GuidanceChronic UrticariaChronic urticaria is a condition where very itchy bumps or raised wheals recur daily or on most days for 6 weeks or longer. A single wheal usually disappears within 24 hours, but new ones may appear in other areas, and their shape and location may change. Depending on skin tone, they may appear pink or red, or they may be difficult to see if they are similar to the surrounding skin color. Angioedema, which is deep skin swelling, may accompany this in the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, dizziness, or a feeling of fainting may indicate anaphylaxis; seek emergency help immediately.Condition GuidanceCholinergic UrticariaCholinergic urticaria commonly presents as multiple small wheals of about 1 to 4mm appearing within minutes after body temperature rises and sweating occurs due to exercise, hot environments, hot showers, spicy foods, or nervousness. The wheals may be itchy, burning, or tingling, and may start on the torso and neck before spreading to the limbs and face. They usually subside within a short time once the triggering situation stops, but in rare cases, they may be accompanied by swelling of the lips and tongue, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. If there are changes in breathing or consciousness, do not wait for simple skin symptoms to resolve and seek an emergency evaluation immediately.Medical Evaluation GuideWhat does Korean medicine look for when skin conditions recur after dermatological treatment?Please list separately what has improved and what still remains after dermatological treatment. If redness, oozing, or wheals have decreased or infection is controlled, record which treatment led to the improvement. If dryness, cracking, itching in the same area, or waking up at night remains, specific goals for Korean medicine treatment can be set. If there is new pain, pus, or rapid spreading, do not consider this part of the remaining recovery; seek medical evaluation first and do not change your prescriptions arbitrarily.

Comparison of similar terms

Terms to know for easier distinction

Evidence and Update Information

The definitions and safety standards in the materials below were referenced.

  1. American Academy of Dermatology Urticaria GuideWe have identified wheals, angioedema, and accompanying acute symptoms.
Summary and review information for this page

Reviewing Medical Staff

Choi Yeon-seung, Doctor of Korean MedicineChief Director · Editor of Korean Medicine Atlas · BRC Researcher

Page Summary

Antihistamines are primarily used to reduce hives (wheals) and itching. Depending on the type, the degree of drowsiness and the dosage instructions vary.

What this page covers

What is explained
In the sentence "Antihistamines are primarily used to reduce hives (wheals) and itching. Depending on the type, the level of drowsiness and the dosage instructions vary," what should be checked first?
What situations are covered
Antihistamines are primarily used to reduce hives (wheals) and itching.
What distinctions are made
Difference from similar terms: They are not medications that treat the cause of all itching, and their role may differ from the inflammatory treatment of dermatitis.
How should this be understood
Depending on the type, the level of drowsiness and the dosage instructions vary.

Key Points

  • Meaning of antihistamines: These are medications that block the action of histamine to reduce hives and some itching symptoms.
  • Difference from similar terms: They are not medications that treat the cause of all itching, and their role may differ from the inflammatory treatment of dermatitis.
  • Reason for confirmation during medical evaluation: To record the name of the medication taken, the time, and the reaction of the symptoms.

References cited on this page

Skin Terminology Glossary

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