What are hives?
Hives can appear anywhere on your body and can range in size from tiny pinpoints to large swatches of skin. Sometimes the welts merge to create larger patches of itchy, swollen skin. Usually, hives last about 24 hours, but can come in waves so when they recede, they reappear, so it seems like they last for several days. If you have a bout of hives, it usually lasts less than six weeks, but chronic hives that last for longer can occur.
Where do hives occur?
Hives can show up anywhere, including your torso, tongue, face, throat, and thighs. Hives that develop on the eyelids and lips can have severe side effects and should be addressed right away.
What causes hives?
Hives have many causes, including allergic reactions to medicines, pollen, animals, or foods—most commonly fish, chocolate, nuts, tomatoes, eggs, and milk. Your immune system reacts to a trigger and hives develop.
You may also develop hives due to:
- Sun exposure or extreme cold
- Certain infections caused by bacteria and fungi
- Stress
- Exercise
- Illnesses such as Lupus and thyroid disease
What are the symptoms of hives?
Hives usually appear as slight skin swelling that’s pinkish or reddish in color. They’re itchy and can sometimes sting and cause pain. You may get just one welt, or you may develop several that group and connect together. Hives may appear in one section of your body and disappear after 24 hours only to develop somewhere else later.
How are hives treated?
No definitive test for hives exists, so diagnosis relies on an evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. You may undergo a skin test or blood tests to determine causes of the hives.
At Bellevue Acne Clinic, the team wants to relieve your symptoms. Bradford Jellerichs may prescribe medication, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, for management.
If your hives are chronic, or occur regularly or for longer than six weeks, Jellerichs and Christian-Lenson may recommend allergy testing to determine a cause. The staff can also offer suggestions as to how to manage hives through self care, such as taking cool showers or using cool compresses to relieve itching.
