Hives Specialist

Hives are itchy welts that develop on any part of your skin. They can be small or large enough to cover whole areas of your skin. Hives are generally flesh-colored, but they can appear pink or red.

Many things can trigger hives, including:

• Foods
• Stress
• Chemicals
• Animal dander
• Insect bites
• Thyroid disease
• Certain medications

If you have food allergies or are receiving allergy shots to treat existing allergies, you could develop hives as a side effect.

Hives can develop immediately after contact with an allergen or another trigger. You might also have a delayed reaction to the trigger and develop hives hours later. In some cases, more serious allergic reactions can show up along with hives, including anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden inflammation of your airways that makes it difficult for you to catch your breath. If you experience anaphylaxis, it’s a medical emergency. You need to go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.

Not all cases of hives need treatment. The welts on your skin often go away without treatment. However, if you have recurrent hives or hives that are very painful, you should schedule a diagnostic exam at Apex Allergy and Asthma.

To pinpoint the cause of your hives, the providers can order blood work and skin allergy testing. They also spend time with you, discussing your lifestyle, stress levels, and diet to identify what triggers your hives.

Based on your testing results, your providers create a treatment plan to address your existing hives and reduce your risk for further outbreaks.

Treating mild to moderate hives involves taking antihistamines to relieve the itching. If you have chronic hives, you might also need antihistamines or corticosteroids to keep you comfortable. Additionally, Xolar, a biologic therapy, has been approved by the FDA for hives and can provide effective relief when increased antihistamine doses fail.

Apex Allergy and Asthma can also diagnose and treat angioedema, a condition like hives that causes swelling deeper in your skin. Typically, treating angioedema involves similar therapies to treating hives. There are certain hereditary forms of angioedema that require specific expertise to diagnose and treat.. You might also need epinephrine injections if you experience hives or angioedema in association with anaphylaxis.Your physician can suggest lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk of developing hives. These changes include bathing in cool water and using allergen-free soaps. You should also wear loose-fitting clothing, especially when it’s hot and humid.

To find out what’s causing your hives, call the Apex Allergy and Asthma office nearest you or book a consultation online today.