Hives
in Hampton, VA
What are hives?
Hives are itchy skin rashes that are usually caused by stress or an allergic reaction. Initially, hives appear as raised, red bumps. Hives can appear anywhere on the body, including the tongue or throat, and they range in size from as small as ¼ inch to 10 inches. The duration of an outbreak of hives may be as short as a few hours.
Hives develop when histamines are produced in the body as a reaction. Histamine production causes the tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, to leak fluid. When the fluid accumulates under the skin, it causes the red bumps that are hives. Hives often itch uncomfortably.
REQUEST NOWWhat causes hives?
There are several different types of hives with different causes ranging from irritated skin to allergic reactions to underlying medical issues. Causes can include:
- Stress: Some patients get hives when they experience emotional stress or anxiety.
- Allergic reactions: Caused by ingesting certain foods or medication or through infections. Insect bites may also be a cause.
- Chronic urticaria and angioedema (deep swelling): Usually affects internal organs and the exact causes are unknown, except that it is allergy related. Symptoms of chronic urticaria and angioedema include muscle soreness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea. These conditions require prompt medical attention.
- Physical urticaria: Caused by direct physical stimulation of the skin, such as extreme heat or sun exposure, this form of hives develops in about an hour.
- Dermatographism: Hives formed after aggressive stroking or scratching of the skin.
Understanding the different types of hives and their triggers can help in managing symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment when necessary.
What are the symptoms of hives?
Hives usually present as round, raised red or skin colored welts called wheals. The skin surrounding the wheals may also be red. Patients may experience mild to severe itching in the affected area, and some severe cases also cause a stinging or burning sensation. Heat, scratching, stress, or allergens may make symptoms worse.
Hives may change shape, size, or location on the body and are usually temporary, lasting a few hours to a day. However, depending on the cause, they may recur.
Hives accompanied by difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat require emergency care.
In many cases, hives go away on their own. Frequent or persistent hives, severe itching or discomfort, and hives with other symptoms such as fever, joint pain, or digestive issues require medical treatment and long-term management by a dermatologist .
What can treat hives?
The board certified dermatologists at Forefront are skilled at identifying the cause of hives and treating the symptoms. As a first step, a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and allergy testing can help identify triggers.
The best treatment for hives is to identify the allergic component and eliminate it from the patient’s lifestyle. In the case of medications, however, this may not be feasible. Antihistamines may provide temporary relief and seem to be preventive when taken regularly, not just when an outbreak occurs. For chronic hives, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed.
The first step is to visit a dermatologist for a full evaluation and consultation. To get started, find a Forefront location near you today.
1 Location in the Hampton, VA area
Interested in Hives? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.
*Treatment options may vary at each location.Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling. *Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama and Nebraska) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment. Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.