Hives Specialist

What are hives?

Hives, medically referred to as urticaria, refer to itchy welts that appear on your skin. The welts usually go away within 24 hours, but new welts can appear as the old ones fade.

Hives can last for days or weeks, and are referred to as acute hives. Hives lasting longer than six weeks are considered chronic.

If your hives cause welts deep in your skin, it’s referred to as angioedema. These types of hives often affect the eyelids and lips, causing them to swell.

Hives are common and can occur in anyone at any time.

What causes the development of hives?

You can develop hives from many causes. With acute hives, allergies are the most common cause. The types of allergens that may lead to the development of hives include:

• Food, especially fruits
• Medicine
• Insect bites
• Pollen
• Animals

Stress, exercise, and contact with certain chemicals can also lead to the development of hives.

How do I know what allergen is causing my hives?

If you suspect your hives are the result of an allergic reaction, the experienced team at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC can diagnose the underlying allergen responsible for your hives with specialized allergy testing. To determine the best test for you, your allergist conducts a comprehensive evaluation that includes a review of your symptoms, lifestyle and habits, family and medical history, as well as a physical exam.

Some of the allergy tests offered at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC include:

• Skin prick test
• Contact allergy test
• Blood test

The type of test best suited for you may depend on the suspected allergen, as well as your other symptoms.

What treatments are there for hives?

Your allergist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC develops a personalized treatment plan for your hives based on the underlying cause of your skin reaction and your medical history. Your treatment may include:

• Avoidance of your allergen
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids

For chronic hives, your specialist may recommend an injection called omalizumab to help reduce swelling and inflammation.

For most people, hives aren’t serious, but they can be a nuisance. For an evaluation of your hives and testing to identify the underlying cause, call Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC or schedule an appointment online today.