If the effected area has yellow, flaky parts and oozing occasionally I would say it is staph. I currently have staph, and have had it several times. It is very, very, very hard to get rid of. If you do have staph, you will need oral antibotics. Go see a specialist like a Dermatologist or an Infectious Disease Expert. Get a culture to determine what it really is.
Hi,
Hives is an allergic skin reaction causing localized redness, swelling, and itching.
Hives is a reaction of the body's immune system that causes areas of the skin to swell, itch, and become reddened (wheals).
Hives is an allergic reaction. wide variety of substances may cause hives in sensitive people, including foods, drugs, and insect bites or stings. Common culprits include:
nuts, especially peanuts, walnuts, and Brazil nuts
fish, mollusks, and shellfish
eggs
wheat
milk
strawberries
food additives and preservatives
penicillin or other antibiotics
flu vaccines
bee, wasp, and hornet stings
bites of mosquitoes, fleas, and scabies.
Urticaria is characterized by redness, swelling, and itching of small areas of the skin. These patches usually grow and recede in less than a day, but may be replaced by others in other locations.
Mild cases of hives are treated with antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). More severe cases may require oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/hives
There is no need to apply any anti-biotic to the affected areas. Just calamine lotion or eucalyptus oil will do, to soothe the irritated skin.