Hives

What are hives?

Hives, also called urticaria, are raised red spots that appear on your skin. They can show up anywhere and can be a symptom of several common skin conditions. Aside from their appearance, symptoms of hives can include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Swelling
• Oozing
• Blistering

Itching your hives doesn’t just amplify the discomfort: It can also break your skin and leave it vulnerable to infections. 

While many instances of hives last for less than 24 hours, chronic hives can occur almost every day for six weeks or longer. The team at Skin Care Specialists can treat you for chronic or recurrent hives after a detailed evaluation. 

What causes hives?

Hives appear in response to the release of chemicals in your body called histamines. Your body releases these chemicals when you have an allergic reaction to something you’ve touched or encountered. It’s also possible for hives to appear without an apparent cause or trigger. 

You might develop hives in response to:

• Stress
• Sweating
• Sunlight
• Animal dander
• Pollen
• Food allergens (e.g. shellfish, milk)
• Specific medications
• Autoimmune flare-ups
• Extreme cold
• Exercise
• Infections

The team at Skin Care Specialists can examine your hives and differentiate them from other common skin lesions like insect bites or cellulitis. They examine your skin and review your medical history. If the team suspects your hives come from an allergy, they may recommend allergy testing to identify the allergen causing them. 

How are hives treated?

One of the most effective ways to prevent hives is to identify your triggers. By being aware of your triggers, you can take steps to avoid those triggers or minimize contact with them. 

Mild hives may not require treatment at all. In any case, Skin Care Specialists can offer personalized tips for managing them when they occur. The team might suggest:

• Avoiding hot baths and showers
• Taking antihistamines (available over the counter or by prescription)
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Soothing your skin with a cool compress
• Taking oral corticosteroids (available by prescription)

Severe or chronic hives might require more intensive care with prescription medications. If you develop swelling in your throat when you get hives as part of a severe allergy, you may need to carry an emergency shot of epinephrine in case of a reaction.

To learn more about hives and ways to manage the itching, call Skin Care Specialists or book a treatment consultation online today.