Hives in Houston, TX

Remember the first time you and/or your child had hives for the first time? The red, hot welts that surface on the skin that you would later find out in a doctor's office were known medically as urticaria. Hives are an outbreak of pale, red and swollen bumps or plaques that are found on the skin. This can be the result of certain allergens affecting the body or for unknown factors. Large and small patches can appear anywhere on your body and they normally fade or reduce in intensity quickly. In Katy, Pearland, League City, or Sugar Land, TX, our dedicated dermatology teams at Advanced Dermatology can diagnose, treat, and help you find ways to stop hives.

Adults and children can develop hives as a result of a virus, infection, too much stress, or a reaction to something injected or in the environment. You may have a short episode, recurrent patches, or hives called chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) that can persist for months to years. We may perform diagnostic testing and/or a skin analysis to find the source of your hives.

A variety of factors can trigger hives. Allergic reactions to certain foods, medications, or insect stings are common culprits, causing the release of histamine and other chemicals that lead to the characteristic raised, itchy welts on the skin. Additionally, physical triggers such as pressure, temperature changes, or friction on the skin can induce hives in susceptible individuals. Stress and emotional factors may also play a role, exacerbating hives or triggering outbreaks. Underlying medical conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or thyroid disorders can contribute to chronic hives. Identifying and avoiding these triggers and appropriate medical management can help reduce the frequency and severity of hives outbreaks.

The symptoms of hives are very general. However, you may experience the condition in a variety of ways. Hives can be large or small welts anywhere on your body. They usually confined to one location unless you have hives covering your body. They are irregular in shape and can pop up in different spots each time an outbreak happens. Some hives look like red rings with a skin-colored center and an edge (known as "wheals"). Blanching hives turn white when you press into the affected skin. The skin can feel hot to the touch, swollen, itchy, and uncomfortable.

Hives are diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin, where our team at Advanced Dermatology will assess the raised, red welts that characterize the condition. Our staff may ask about recent exposure to allergens, medications, or other potential triggers. In some cases, blood tests or skin allergy tests may be performed to identify the underlying cause of the hives, particularly if they are chronic or recurrent. A thorough medical history can help pinpoint specific triggers or related conditions.

It is time to see a medical professional when you can no longer treat hives on your own with relief. Many patients with hives take an over-the-counter, non-drowsy antihistamine to ease their discomfort. We will form a treatment plan for your hives once we have examined you and determined the source to best treat your outbreak. We also want to give you strategies to prevent reactions in the future.

Are hives prickly?
Yes, hives could be intensely irritating. The scratchiness may vary from slight to intense. Individuals should avoid the compulsion to scratch the knots because rubbing can hurt the skin and elevate the potential of an ailment. Some people who go to Advanced Dermatology with hives say the bulges are painful or tingle rather than itch. Hives frequently feel warm to the touch because the skin is chafed.

Are hives transmittable?
Hives are not transmittable. It's not possible to get urticaria by coming in contact with a person's skin or being in the vicinity of someone with hives. However, the source of urticaria could be contagious. Dr. Duncan will request medical information and perform an inclusive skin examination to determine the cause of the hives, which might be a virus, disease, or allergic reaction.

How long do hives last?
The interval of hives may rely on whether they are intense or continual. Several circumstances of mild urticaria remedy on their own gradually with the help of antihistamine medications. For a flare-up of hives that doesn't resolve after six weeks or more, you should schedule an appointment at Advanced Dermatology in Houston, TX.

When should I notify a practitioner about hives?
An episode of hives is seldom a crisis. However, hives caused by an intolerant response can contribute to throat tightness and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing wheezing or having heavy breathing, your throat seems tight, or your face is swollen near the tongue, lips, or eyes, seek immediate medical attention.

Regardless of the cause of your skin condition, hives can be uncomfortable, concerning, and embarrassing. If you just recently started experiencing hives, or have a chronic issue with outbreaks, it is a good idea to find out what is causing them. Get the treatment you deserve and contact the Katy, Pearland, League City, or Sugar Land, TX Advanced Dermatology office to schedule an appointment. Let's get your hives under control.