Hives (Chronic Urticaria) Overview
If you have ever experienced hives, you would do almost anything to avoid those itchy, uncomfortable bumps. Many cases of hives go away quickly, but some hives stick around persistently, becoming chronic.
If you have ever experienced hives, you would do almost anything to avoid those itchy, uncomfortable bumps. Many cases of hives go away quickly, but some hives stick around persistently, becoming chronic.
Hives are raised red splotches on the skin, often called welts. These welts are the result of swelling on the outer surface of the skin as a reaction to some type of allergen, an infection or even simply touching something.
These spots are often quite itchy and may also be puffy and painfully swollen. Sometimes welts will merge into plaques, which affect larger sections of the skin. If you are wondering whether skin spots are hives, press down on one. If it turns pale when pressed, it may be hives.
Hives can be either acute, meaning they dissipate within a few days, or chronic, meaning they linger or return frequently for six weeks or longer. Acute hives are usually related to an allergic reaction to a food, a medication or a substance you touch. As your immune system revs up to defend itself against this invader, the distinctive red splotches appear.
Acute hives can also sometimes be triggered by nonallergens, such as an infection, a stressful situation or physical stress on the skin.
Chronic hives are not usually related to an allergen. They may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or some other type of medical condition, but most commonly, they have no known cause. When chronic hives have no known underlying cause, they are called “chronic urticaria.”
Mild hives may not require any specific treatment, though you may benefit from taking an antihistamine or using a topical steroid like hydrocortisone to reduce itching and swelling. Cold compresses or a cool bath may also provide relief from itching and discomfort.
More severe cases of hives may require additional treatment. An allergy specialist may prescribe oral steroids, such as prednisone, when antihistamines or a topical steroid do not provide relief. A type of biologic medication known as a therapeutic monoclonal antibody may also be used to treat unremitting cases of chronic hives.
Hives can also accompany other symptoms of a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction, such as swelling in the face or throat, wheezing or shortness of breath. This type of reaction is an emergency and requires immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection to reopen the airway.
Chronic hives related to an allergen may be treated with allergy shots in some cases to block the allergic reaction responsible for the hives. Your allergy specialist may also recommend making tweaks to your lifestyle and your home environment, such as avoiding certain foods, changing detergents and soaps and avoiding extreme temperature changes.
The allergists and immunologists at Hattiesburg Clinic have specialty training in diagnosing the source of hives and treating them. We offer treatment for both acute and chronic hives, including chronic urticaria, where the underlying cause is unknown. If you are experiencing persistent hives that are causing you discomfort, we are here to help you find relief.