Hives
-
- Tweet
Sunshine Allergy and Asthma
Allergists & Asthma Specialists located in North Port, FL
Around 20% of Americans have hives at least once. If you have itchy, irritated, swollen, and bumpy skin, Sunshine Allergy and Asthma allergist Nilamben Patel, DO, FAAAAI, can help. In the North Port, Florida, office, Dr. Patel diagnoses and prescribes immediate solutions for even the most persistent cases of hives. Book your appointment by calling the office or clicking the online appointment maker.
Hives Q & A
What are hives?
Hives are bumps or welts that appear on your skin, usually due to allergies. They can come and go, with most individual hives vanishing within a day. Acute hives resolve within six weeks, and chronic hives last longer than six weeks.
What are the symptoms of hives?
Hives vary in appearance, with the welts ranging from tiny to quite large. They're usually red but can be flesh-toned, as well. Generally, hives are itchy but not harmful.
It's common to have angioedema — swelling beneath the skin surface — at the same time as hives.
In some rare cases, hives are a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening type of allergic reaction. In that situation, you also have symptoms such as shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and flushing in the face and chest.
What causes hives?
Many types of allergies can trigger acute hives. Common causes include:
- Food allergies
- Stinging insect allergies
- Medication allergies
- Pollen allergies
- Latex allergies
Viral infections are another cause of acute hives.
Chronic hives are often an autoimmune condition rather than an allergic one. Other possible causes of chronic hives include extreme temperatures, sunlight, and stress.
What is the treatment for hives?
There are two main treatments for hives: antihistamines and omalizumab.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are usually the first-line treatment for hives. There are both over-the-counter and prescription-strength options, including nonsedating and sedating drugs. In some cases, you need a much higher than normal dose of antihistamines to fight hives.
Omalizumab
If antihistamines don't help with your hives, Dr. Patel may prescribe omalizumab, a medication injected monthly. Omalizumab is an asthma drug that improves hives in 65% of those with antihistamine-resistant hives.
Other options for short-term hives management include corticosteroids. Because corticosteroids may cause a number of side effects, however, they're best used for just a few days until symptoms abate.
If you have underlying allergies, Dr. Patel can also perform allergy testing to find your triggers. Allergy shots can reduce other allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.
Learn how treatment from an expert allergist can end your hives symptoms by calling Sunshine Allergy and Asthma or clicking the online booking link.
