Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin condition that causes red, itchy bumps and welts to appear on the skin. These raised patches can vary in size, sometimes merging to form larger areas of swelling, and they often appear suddenly. One of the most distinctive features of hives is their ability to come and go quickly, often disappearing within hours, only to reappear elsewhere on the body.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of urticaria, it’s important to seek medical advice. To know more about this condition and receive proper diagnosis and treatment, consult the best dermatologist in East New York at Dermatology – Doral Health & Wellness NY.

Managing urticaria often includes identifying and avoiding known triggers, taking antihistamines, and following a treatment plan customized by a dermatologist. For long-term or recurring symptoms, specialist care is key to improving quality of life and preventing complications.

Main Types of Urticaria

• Urticaria (hives) can present in several different forms depending on the underlying cause and how long the condition persists. Understanding the main types of urticaria can help you and your healthcare provider determine the most effective treatment and prevention strategy.

  1. Acute Urticaria

  This is the most common type of urticaria and typically lasts less than six weeks. It often appears suddenly and is usually triggered by an allergic reaction to:

  • Foods such as peanuts, chocolate, shellfish, fish, eggs, and milk.

  • Food additives and preservatives, including artificial colors and flavor enhancers.

  • Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

  • Infections, especially viral infections such as the common cold, or bacterial infections like strep throat.

  eeeeeeeeeeeeusually resolves once the trigger is removed or the allergen leaves the body. However, in some cases, emergency care is required—particularly when swelling involves the face or airways.

  2. Chronic Urticaria

  Chronic urticaria is defined as hives that occur daily or almost daily for more than six weeks. This type can be frustrating because the exact cause is often unknown. However, possible triggers or associated conditions may include:

  • Autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid disorders (e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).

  • Chronic infections, including hepatitis or Helicobacter pylori.

  • Underlying health issues, affecting internal organs like the lungs, muscles, or digestive tract.

  • Stress and environmental factors, which may worsen symptoms even when not directly causing the hives.

  May persist for months or even years, and symptoms often appear without a clear pattern. In many cases, it may be linked to the immune system attacking healthy tissues—a condition known as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

  3. Physical Urticaria

  This type of urticaria is caused by external physical stimuli rather than allergens or internal health problems. Common triggers include:

  • Temperature extremes, such as cold or heat.

  • Sun exposure (solar urticaria).

  • Sweating or pressure from tight clothing.

  • Scratching or friction on the skin.

  In physical urticaria, hives typically appear only in the area exposed to the stimulus and subside once the trigger is removed. These reactions may appear within minutes and fade in an hour or two, but repeated exposure can lead to recurring flare-ups.

How Is Urticaria Treated?

Treatments depends on the cause of flare-ups. There are also home remedies that can soothe itchiness. Sometimes, antihistamines are prescribed by doctors to relieve the symptoms. Stress can also aggravate hives. So, managing your stress can help, especially with chronic urticaria. Keeping a food diary can also help in keeping track of the foods that can trigger your hives.

Treating urticaria (hives) depends on the type, duration, and underlying cause of the condition. While many cases of acute urticaria resolve on their own, others—especially chronic or recurring hives—may require medical intervention to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Here are the most common and effective treatment options for urticaria:

1. Avoiding Known Triggers

The first and most important step in managing urticaria is identifying and avoiding the triggers that cause your outbreaks. These can include:

• Specific foods or medications

• Tight clothing or harsh soaps

• Heat, cold, or direct sunlight

• Stress or allergens like pollen or pet dander

Your dermatologist may recommend keeping a symptom diary to help track what may be causing flare-ups.

2. Antihistamines

Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines are the frontline treatment for most types of urticaria. They work by blocking histamine, the chemical that causes itching and swelling.

• Non-drowsy antihistamines: cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine

• Sedating antihistamines (used at night): diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine

Your doctor may adjust your dosage or combine different antihistamines for better results, especially in chronic urticaria.

3. Corticosteroids

For severe or resistant cases, a short course of oral corticosteroids (like prednisone) may be prescribed to quickly reduce inflammation. However, these are not recommended for long-term use due to side effects.

4. Biologic Therapy

Patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria that doesn’t respond to standard treatments may benefit from advanced therapies such as:

• Omalizumab (Xolair) – an injectable biologic that targets the immune response
  This option is typically reserved for cases that haven’t responded to antihistamines or corticosteroids.

5. Topical Treatments

While not always necessary for hives, calming creams or lotions like calamine or menthol-based products can help relieve itching and discomfort on the skin’s surface.

6. Treating the Underlying Condition

If urticaria is linked to an underlying infection, autoimmune disease, or thyroid disorder, managing that condition is essential to reduce or eliminate the hives.

7. Lifestyle Modifications

Patients are also encouraged to:

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing

• Take cool or lukewarm showers

• Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care products

• Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or light exercise

If your hives or urticaria reaction involves swelling of your tongue or you have trouble breathing, your doctor may prescribe you an epinephrine injector that you must always keep with you. You may develop a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis, so you must always be aware of this symptom.

Being aware of your triggers will greatly help you in steering away from serious allergy attacks. You must talk to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Set an appointment with an allergist and a dermatologist as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, our dermatologists are ready to help you take care of your skin conditions. As dermatology experts in Brooklyn, New York we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com to schedule an appointment online.