How long for Benadryl to work?!

[ccnumber4]

Anyone know how long it takes for Benadryl to kick in for hives?  I have had a pretty nasty cold since about Friday and yesterday broke out in hives along my jawline and neck, but only on one side.  They don't itch a whole lot but they sure look hideous!  I took Benadryl about 4 hours ago and the pharmacist said I should start to see an improvement in 20 minutes to an hour.  None yet.  Anyone dealt with hives before or know something about this?  I have a dr. appointment tomorrow morning, but am hoping I can at least get the hives to go down before then.

[Brentwood]

If it's going to respond, it should have by now. Usually the effects wear off at about 4 to 6 hours. Can you call the nurse at your clinic? Maybe you could use a cortisone cream to help relieve the hives before your appointment tomorrow. I'd ask the nurse/doc to be sure, though.

[goblue2539]

Benadryl is usually better than that.  I think the longest I've ever had to wait for it to kick in is about 45 minutes.  Anything more than an hour, and I'd call someone.  It might be something worse than an allergy, although I sincerely hope it isn't. 

[snacky-poo]

Just from my experience - The itching goes away within 30 min, but the redness can take a while longer to fade.  It has taken a day or so for me depending on the severity.

[ccnumber4]

Thanks, everyone.  I'll plan on keeping the appointment tomorrow morning and just keep taking the Benadryl.  It's helping the cold symptoms, anyway.  Man, do I look frightful!  Thanks for your help! 

[snacky-poo]

just a thought - do you know what caused the hives?  If it was foods or a medicine, you may have to wait until it's completely out of you system.  Hope you feel better soon though!