The sudden appearance of raised, itchy red welts on your skin can be unsettling. These bumps, known as hives or medically as urticaria, are a common skin reaction. While often temporary and harmless, hives can be intensely uncomfortable and are frequently a sign that your body is reacting to an allergen or another trigger. Understanding what causes urticaria and how to distinguish it from other skin rashes is the first step toward finding relief and identifying the underlying cause of the reaction.
At Doral Health & Wellness, our foremost commitment is to provide integrated, comprehensive health services with clarity and support. Our team of specialists delivers reliable medical guidance, empowering you to navigate your health journey with confidence. We are dedicated to delivering the care you need to improve your well-being.
What Are Hives (Urticaria)?
Hives, or urticaria, are raised, itchy patches of skin called wheals. They occur when the body releases histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, causing small blood vessels to leak fluid. This fluid accumulates in the skin, resulting in the characteristic swelling and redness. An individual hive typically lasts for less than 24 hours, but new ones can form as old ones fade.
The condition is categorized based on its duration:
- Acute Urticaria – Hives that last for less than six weeks. This is the most common form and is often caused by a direct reaction to a trigger.
- Chronic Urticaria – Hives that occur two or more times a week and persist for more than six weeks. The cause of chronic urticaria is often more difficult to identify and may be autoimmune in nature.
A consultation with a skin doctor is essential for a proper diagnosis.
Common Triggers and Causes of Hives
Identifying the trigger for an outbreak of hives is key to preventing future episodes. While the cause is not always found, especially in chronic cases, many common culprits can be identified.
Allergic Reactions
Many cases of acute urticaria are allergic in nature.
- Foods – Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, and shellfish.
- Medications – Almost any medication can cause hives, but common ones include penicillin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain blood pressure medications.
- Insect Stings or Bites – Reactions to bees, wasps, and fire ants are frequent triggers.
- Latex or Other Contact Allergens – Touching a substance to which you are allergic can cause localized hives.
Other Causes
Not all hives are caused by allergies.
- Infections – Viral infections, like the common cold, and bacterial infections, like strep throat, can trigger urticaria.
- Physical Stimuli (Physical Urticaria) – In some people, hives can be triggered by physical factors such as:
- Pressure on the skin (dermatographia)
- Exposure to cold or heat
- Sunlight exposure (solar urticaria)
- Exercise or an increase in body temperature
- Underlying Medical Conditions – Chronic hives can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a thyroid disorder or other autoimmune conditions. A thorough evaluation by a skin doctor in NY can help investigate these possibilities.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While mild cases of hives often resolve on their own, it is important to know when to seek medical help. A search for a “skin doctor near me” or “dermatologist near me” can connect you with a professional for an evaluation.
You should see a doctor if:
- Your hives are severe or widespread.
- The symptoms persist for more than a few days.
- You experience recurring episodes of urticaria.
- The hives are accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. This can be a sign of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency medical attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose the cause of your hives, a skin doctor will perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical history.
- History and Examination – Your doctor will ask about potential exposures to allergens, recent infections, and medications.
- Allergy Testing – If an allergy is suspected, a skin prick test or blood test may be recommended to identify specific allergens.
- Further Investigation – For chronic urticaria, your doctor may order blood tests to check for underlying medical conditions.
Treatment focuses on providing symptom relief and managing the condition.
- Antihistamines – Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines are the primary treatment for hives. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which reduces itching and swelling.
- Corticosteroids – For severe outbreaks, a doctor may prescribe a short course of an oral corticosteroid, like prednisone, to quickly reduce inflammation.
- Biologics – For chronic urticaria that does not respond to antihistamines, an injectable biologic medication may be an option. The “best dermatologist in New York” can determine if you are a candidate for this advanced treatment.
For those in our area, finding a “skin doctor brooklyn” is a convenient way to get expert care. The “best dermatologist in New York” will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dealing with hives can be an uncomfortable and worrying experience. While many cases are mild and resolve quickly, persistent or severe urticaria requires a professional diagnosis. By working with a qualified skin doctor, you can identify potential triggers, find effective treatments to control your symptoms, and rule out any underlying health concerns. Do not hesitate to seek help if your hives are impacting your quality of life.
For expert dermatological care and to receive a comprehensive evaluation for your hives, contact Doral Health & Wellness today at 1-718-365-2555 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to provide the supportive, personalized care you need to find relief. For general information about Doral Health & Wellness services, you can contact or email info@doralhw.org.
