Around 20% of people experience hives at some point in their lives. While these small, red, itchy bumps may feel alarming at first, board-certified allergist Marine Demirjian, MD, at Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center has the skill and experience to treat hives and prevent future outbreaks at the office in Glendale, California. For expert hives treatment, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Hives, or urticaria, are swollen pale red bumps or small patches on the skin that occur as the result of an allergic reaction. While hives are typically very itchy, they can also sting and burn, causing pain and discomfort.
Hives can appear anywhere on the body, including the ears, throat, face, lips, or tongue. In most cases, hives subside within a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to a full day for them to go away completely.
Alcohol consumption, scratching, stress, or exercise can worsen hives, so call Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center right away if you think you’re suffering an allergic reaction.
Hives often resemble bug bites, but there are some telltale differences, including:
Unlike insect bites, hives can shift in appearance and come and go. Seek immediate medical attention if you think hives near your throat are affecting your ability to breathe.
Because hives are an allergic reaction, the best way to treat them is to figure out what your triggers are. The team at Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center may recommend a skin test (prick or scratch test) or blood test to determine the cause of your allergy.
To more effectively diagnose your allergy, your provider may also ask you to keep a diary of:
There are many types of allergens that cause hives, so the more information the team has about your lifestyle habits and background, the more effective your treatment will be.
Avoiding certain triggers is the best treatment for hives. However, when that isn’t possible, Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center has several treatments to calm your symptoms, including:
Non-drowsy antihistamines block the symptom-producing release of histamine that triggers hives.
Oral corticosteroids can help temporarily reduce swelling, redness, itching, and pain caused by hives.
Immunotherapy is a type of therapy that gradually increases your exposure to certain allergens, so your body eventually stops producing severe allergic reactions.
To learn more about hives and how to treat them, call Allergy and Asthma Treatment Center or schedule an appointment online today.
