We offer hives treatment at Vujevich Dermatology Associates.
What are hives?
Hives are a skin condition that is characterized by itchy red welts that appear on the skin. Based on how severe your hives are will determine the best form of hives treatment. Hives affect approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives, so being knowledgeable about hives treatment options can help you relieve hives symptoms quickly when they appear.
The medical name for hives is urticaria. Hives can occur on any part of the body and can range in size from a small pen mark to the size of a dinner plate. As hives grow larger, they can combine with other hives to form large hives. If the welts begin to develop deeper in the skin, the medical name for your hives is angioedema. Angioedema often leads to the swelling of the eyelids and lips. If this occurs, seek medical help immediately.
Often times, individual hives will disappear in less than 24 hours, but as old hives fade, new ones appear. This means that a hives breakout can last up to six weeks, which is called acute hives. If your hives last longer than six weeks, this is diagnosed as chronic hives.
What are common hives symptoms?
There are three common hives symptoms: red welts, angioedema/swelling, and itching. Sometimes people have a hard time distinguishing hives vs a rash. So, these symptoms will help you identify what hives look like so that the appropriate hives treatment can be started.
Red welts are easily the most recognized hives symptom. While most often red, welts can also be flesh colored. If red, pressing the center of the hive will turn the welt white. They can occur anywhere on the body and can form alone or in patches. Some people may experience hives in the same place each time they have a reaction. This is called fixed hives and often occurs when someone has a specific trigger for their hives. Welts can fade and reappear, changing shape and size as they reappear.
As mentioned above, angioedema is when welts appear deep under the skin. This type of swelling occurs in addition to welts. The eyes and lips are the most common areas affected by angioedema, but angioedema can also affect the hands, throat, and feet. Less severe swelling can also occur. You may feel heat radiating from the areas that are swollen.
Hives are often itchy, ranging from mild to severe. At times, the itching can be severe enough to cause pain. The itching that accompanies hives is often irritating, but it can also lead to tears in the skin from too much scratching. This can cause inflammation or an infection if not treated properly. While frustrating, it is best not to scratch hives.
What causes hives?
Hives can be caused by a number of things, including allergic reactions. Food allergies are a common cause of hives, including allergies to peanuts, dairy, and citrus fruits. Other allergic reactions that can cause hives include medicines, insect bites, animals, and coming into contact with items you’re allergic to (such as latex).
Hives can be caused by stress, infections, and scratching the skin. Exposure to the sun and pressure on the skin for too long are also known to cause hives. Some illnesses, such us lupus and thyroid disease, can bring about hives. Hives can occur immediately following contact with an allergen or it can take more than two hours for hives to appear.
What hives treatment options are available?
Before identifying the best type of hives treatment, your dermatologist may run tests to try to determine what is triggering your hives. These tests include allergy tests, blood work, and a skin biopsy. However, finding the true cause of hives can be a challenge since there are so many possible triggers.
Mild hives will go away on their own, but a dermatologist can prescribe non-drowsy antihistamines to help relieve the itching and swelling. Other medications are prescribed when hives last longer than six weeks. These medications are taken every day to stop more hives from forming. These medications help alleviate redness and swelling and include:
- Dapsone
- Corticosteroids
- Omalizumab
Hives treatment for angioedema may include an injection of epinephrine. All medications have possible side effects, so it’s important to discuss these side effects with your dermatologist when forming a hives treatment plan.
While waiting for your medication to start working, or to help limit hives breakouts, try to work and sleep in a cool room. Wearing lightweight, loose fitting clothing can help limit hives breakouts when it’s not possible to maintain a cool environment. If your hives are related to stress, look into ways to manage your stress. This can include meditation, journaling, or taking time for yourself – even just five minutes can help.
While hives are not contagious and often fade on their own, a dermatologist can help identify the trigger of your hives and work with you to create a hives treatment plan based on your specific case. If your hives last for more than six weeks, contact a dermatologist. Our dermatologists are highly trained and will work with you to identify the most effective hives treatment plan.
Contact us today at Vujevich Dermatology Associates to schedule an appointment.