If you’ve ever developed hives, you already know how unpleasant and uncomfortable they can be. Fortunately, your allergist can help you get relief from the itching, burning, and redness of hives.

What You Need to Know about Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are common skin conditions. It can be brought on by exposure to a substance you are allergic to. Common signs and symptoms of hives include:

• Red or skin-colored bumps on the skin
• Raised, itchy bumps on the skin
• Blanching of the bump when it is pressed

There are several substances that can trigger hives, including:

• Eggs, peanuts, and shellfish
• Medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen
• Experiencing an insect bite or sting
• Exposure to latex
• Exposure to cold, heat, or sun
• Blood transfusions
• Bacterial and viral infections
• Plant pollen or pet dander

Your allergist can perform allergy testing to determine what is causing your hives, so you can avoid the substance. In addition, your allergist may recommend these treatments to help you get relief from hives:

• Topical and oral antihistamines, to block histamine production and decrease itching
• Topical and oral corticosteroids, to decrease itching and other symptoms

Your allergist may also recommend carrying an epinephrine pen, known as an epi-pen, for severe allergy and asthma symptoms that may accompany hives.

Hives can be a short-term or long-term condition. If you suffer from hives for more than 6 weeks, you have a condition known as chronic hives. Chronic hives can last months or even years. If you have chronic hives, your allergist will try to identify the cause. Treatment may include lab testing and other studies. Chronic hives may be caused by:

• An immune condition
• Thyroid disease
• Hormonal issues
• An unknown cause

You can also develop hives from a physical cause, including:

• Hard rubbing or scratching on your skin
• Pressure or constriction on your skin
• Sudden change in temperature exposure
• Exposure to sun

Your Allergist Can Help You Get Relief

You can get relief from hives. To find out more about the causes and treatment of hives, call your allergist today.