Should over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment be used for treating hives?

For the treatment of hives, doctors can recommend an over-the-counter oral antihistamine to relieve the symptom of itching that last longer than a few hours, relates WebMD. Similarly, chronic hives outbreaks are treated by dermatologists with prescription antihistamines, cortisone, an antibacterial medication called Dapsone, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. So, an over-the-counter antibiotic is not the usual recommended treatment for this condition.

Hives are red and itchy welts that can develop on the skin in any area of the body. Hives can appear in varying shapes and sizes. An allergic reaction can cause hives. Factors that can trigger hives are certain foods, medicines, stress, sun exposure and an insect bite, relates MedicineNet. Hives can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute hives take less time to resolve than chronic hives.