Our Services / Hives

What are hives?

Hives are itchy, red welts that appear on your skin because of allergic reactions. Allergens cause your body’s immune system to react to substances that don’t bother many others. The size of the welts varies, and they often fade over time. However, hives may recur with additional allergen exposure and feel uncomfortable when left untreated.

What are the symptoms of hives?

Common symptoms of hives include:

• Raised skin bumps
• Red patches
• Welts
• Itching
• Painful swelling

Hives could flare up with exercise, stress, or heat. They might appear on your face, body, lips, eyelids, and even on the inside of your throat. 

You may experience other allergic reactions with hives, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, or dizziness. 

What are the risk factors for hives?

The cause of hives isn’t always clear, but risk factors for developing them include exposure to:

• Insect stings
• Parasites
• Some medications
• Infections
• Heat or cold
• Scratching
• Sunlight 
• Stress
• Food
• Alcohol
• Irritating skincare products
• Some soaps
• Other irritants
• Underlying medical conditions

Your chance of developing hives increases if you have a personal or family history of allergic reactions.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of hives?

To determine the potential causes of hives, your Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates provider discusses your symptoms and medical history with you. Dr. Friedman completes a physical exam and may recommend undergoing blood tests or skin tests to find out which allergens are causing your hives.

How is the underlying cause of hives treated?

Common treatments for the underlying cause of hives include:

Home remedies

Things you can do at home to reduce the risk of breaking out in hives include avoiding potential allergens, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding harsh soaps. Avoid scratching your hives and wear sunscreen when going outdoors. Try soothing over-the-counter creams.

Medications

Using oral or topical medications can reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with hives. 

Allergy treatments

Dr. Friedman and the other Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates providers offer various treatments for allergies to reduce your risk of developing hives from potential allergens. 

To find out what’s causing your hives and get treated for your condition, call the Allergy, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Immunology Associates office or schedule an appointment online today.