Hives

What are Hives?

Hives is a condition that occurs suddenly, either as a reaction to an allergen or for no reason at all, and causes pale red bumps or welts on the skin. They vary in size and can be as small as an eraser or as large as a dinner plate. 

Hives can be itchy, burn, or sting. Most of the time, they form on the skin, but occasionally they develop below the skin’s surface, causing lips and eyelids to swell.

If you repeatedly get hives, speak with Dr. Hajee at Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy. She’ll work with you to understand what triggers your flare-ups and create a personalized management plan. 

What causes hives?

No one thing causes hives. Doctors have identified multiple triggers, including:

• Anxiety
• Bacterial infections 
• Blood transfusions
• Exercise
• Extreme temperatures
• Some foods – shellfish, nuts, and eggs
• Insect bites or stings
• Latex
• Medications – antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Viral infections
   

Dr. Hajee offers allergy disorder testing to get to the bottom of what irritants cause your hives. Take the first step to managing your condition today with a consultation. 

How do you treat hives?

Most doctors take an integrated approach to treating hives, using a combination of medication to reduce and manage the immediate symptoms and lifestyle changes to avoid triggering hives in the first place. 

A doctor prescribes medication based on how severe the hives are, what causes them, how frequently they occur, and how long they last. Medications include antihistamines, antibiotics, injectable medicine, and corticosteroids. Lifestyle changes include:

Managing weather symptoms

Many people get hives when it’s cold, so always wrap a scarf around your face, wear warm clothes when going outside, and avoid extreme temperatures. Sun exposure can also trigger a reaction, so always use sunblock with an SPF of 50, and stay covered.

Mindful consumption

Avoid all foods that trigger hives symptoms. Anyone concerned that their medication has caused a hives outbreak should call their physician right away.

Avoid scratching

Scratching makes hives feel worse. A lukewarm bath can help relieve the itch, and using non-perfumed soaps for sensitive skin prevents irritation.

The first step to beating hives is to understand what causes them. Dr. Hajee runs comprehensive allergy tests to get to the root cause of the problem and then uses treatment approaches that promote health and overall wellbeing. Schedule a consultation online or by calling the office.