Hi.. Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC.. I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns.. As per your complain Nicoderm CQ are nicotine patches and are used as Nicotine Replacement therapy and it is used as an addiction breaking agent to tobacco.. As if she has used it for the first time and she broke in hives there is a possibility that she has got an allergic reaction to it.. I would suggest you to immediately stop using it.. You can also give her anti allergics like Benadryl or Allegra.. Continue applying Hydrocortisone cream along with it do cool compresses.. You should also take anti inflammatory painkiller like Ibuprofen to relieve inflmmation and redness. You can continue calamine lotion as it will soothe the skin.. Avoid scratching the area to prevent infection.. Keep the skin clean and dry.. In case if there is no resolution consult an Allergist and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigations like Allergic tests can help in diagnosis and treatment can be planned accordingly.. You can also be given injectable steroids for faster resolution of symptoms.. Hope this information helps.. Thanks and regards. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.