Get your Hives (Urticaria) Treated in NYC by World-Renowned Dermatologist, Debra Jaliman, MD
It is crucial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or allergist if you are experiencing hives. During the appointment, they will review your medical, family, and health information to help identify the cause of the hives, answer your questions, give you additional information and advice, and create a personalized treatment plan, especially for you.
It may be necessary to take blood tests and additional testing. They can ensure comprehensive and effective management of your hives. Doctors have the knowledge and experience to determine whether there might be an underlying health issue, other factors, or an immune system problem causing the hives. You can gain insights into possible triggers such as allergies, infections, or other medical conditions by consulting with them. They can also track your progress and control your medicine while carefully caring for your skin and overall health. They can provide answers to many of your questions, reasons why you have hives, and sometimes determine the exact allergen that is causing your problem and provide a diagnosis. They are aware of the research and articles on hives and allergies, so they can give you the latest treatments.
What are hives?
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by redness, swelling, and itching. These red-colored welts and bumps can appear on any part of the body but are often seen on the face, chest, back, legs, and torso. Dermatologists or allergists are the best professionals to treat hives, as they can gather your medical history, assess your medications, diagnose the specific type of hives, identify triggers, and conduct skin tests if needed to determine allergies and identify skin problems.
How do hives form?
Inflammation and swelling occur due to blood vessels expanding and fluid seeping into the skin in reaction to histamine release from mast cells, making antihistamines beneficial despite potential drowsiness as they alleviate allergy symptoms, inflammation, and hives.
What causes hives?
An allergic reaction in your system causes hives. Often, they are caused by drugs, chemicals, heat, sunlight, or by exposure to foods. Some people develop hives from an insect bite. If you get stung by a bee, wasp, or mosquito and are allergic, you may develop hives. You can also get hives from the elastic from tight clothing or even from excess sweating. It is not caused by poison ivy which is a different rash that is itchy but is not hives. Asthma is not associated with hives either.
What can give immediate relief for hives?
A cold compress with a thin washcloth can help the itching and swelling and improve some of the symptoms. Steroid creams and ointments are also useful. A quickly dissolving OTC antihistamine is beneficial for itching.
Home Remedies and Other Helpful Tips
Aloe Vera Gel
When it comes to hives, aloe vera gel is one of the products that has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate itching and discomfort. Applying a thin layer of aloe vera to the affected area can provide a calming sensation and provide comfort. There are different types of aloe vera gel, make certain to use the fragrance-free variety or to use it directly from plants.
Oatmeal Bath
Taking an oatmeal bath can be soothing for hives. The colloidal oatmeal present in the bath can help relieve itching and irritation caused by hives. Simply adding some colloidal oatmeal to your bath and soaking for around 15 to 20 minutes can make a substantial difference in managing the discomfort associated with hives. It can also be relaxing and reduce the anxiety associated with this condition.
Cool Shower
A 10-minute cool shower can help relieve some of the itching and the sting related to hives. Be sure to use a fragrance-free super hydrating mild cleanser.
Cool Washcloth or Ice Pack
Patients can use a cool washcloth or ice pack and apply it to the affected area or hives. Placing pressure on the hives with the ice will give some relief and temporarily improve the skin reaction.
Cold Compresses with Tea
Chamomile tea is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for hives. The substances it contains are bisabolol and matricin from the chamomile flowers. Applying it topically through a cold compress can help reduce swelling and provide relief from itching. In some cases, this may be beneficial.
Clothing
It is helpful to wear loose-fitting clothes in larger sizes that are made from cotton or silk. Avoid wool and mohair as these fabrics may trigger more itching.
Don't Scratch
Keep your nails short and try to prevent yourself from scratching the itch. You can also keep your hands covered with cotton gloves. Scratching anywhere will only lead to a worsening of this skin condition and potentially wounds, an infection, and scars.
Topical creams
When it comes to hives, we know that itching and redness can be very unpleasant. That's where topical creams come in. They contain potent ingredients such as hydrocortisone that work to soothe the affected area and help care for our skin conditions. The best part is that you can buy them at your local pharmacy without a prescription or needing to see a pharmacist. Hydrocortisone cream has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm down the irritation and itching. It is used on the surface of the skin where it has its effect, and you will see and feel results almost immediately. You need to be careful when using it near the eyes as it can cause glaucoma or cataracts.
Over-the-counter antihistamines
When it comes to finding relief from the discomfort of hives, over-the-counter antihistamines play a crucial role. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a compound that contributes to the itching and redness associated with hives. They are often the first resort for those dealing with mild hives, providing a means to alleviate itching and reduce the appearance of the hives.
Several popular over-the-counter antihistamines are widely used for hive treatment, such as Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin) and Fexofenadine (Allegra). These medications are known for their ability to provide relief from itching and help decrease the appearance of hives.
It is important to know that while these antihistamines can effectively alleviate symptoms, different individuals may respond differently to each type. For example, Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is often praised for its fast-acting relief, making it a go-to choice for those seeking immediate comfort from hives. On the other hand, Loratidine (Claritin) is preferred by many due to its long-lasting effects that provide relief throughout the day without causing any drowsiness for most people. Fexofenadine (Allegra), another nondrowsy option, has been shown to produce rapid relief from itching and hives as well. Each offers unique benefits that cater to different needs, allowing individuals to choose based on their specific preferences and lifestyle.
For instance, if you find yourself grappling with intense itching during the day and want quick relief without feeling drowsy, Cetirizine (Zyrtec) might be your preferred choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking long-lasting effects that keep you comfortable all day long without causing drowsiness, Loratidine (Claritin) could be a better fit.
All three of these antihistamines have been proven to effectively reduce itching and improve hives by targeting the root cause, which is histamine release.
Corticosteroids
When hives become severe and just won't go away, sometimes doctors need to use strong medication. These powerful drugs rapidly reduce inflammation and itching with the main goal being to provide relief from symptoms while addressing the underlying cause of the hives. One common oral corticosteroid prescribed for hives is prednisone. When you take prednisone it starts working fast, often bringing relief within a few hours.
Corticosteroids function by calming down your immune system, which normally protects the body from harm. In cases where the immune system overreacts to harmless substances such as food or the air you breathe causing reactions like hives, corticosteroid medication helps manage and decrease this exaggerated response to reduce symptoms like itchiness, swelling, and hives.
Despite their effectiveness in managing severe symptoms, these medications may have potential side effects to limit their long-term use.
Side effects of corticosteroids
Like any powerful medication, corticosteroids can cause side effects, especially if taken for an extended period. The side effects can include weight gain, mood changes, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and a weakened immune system. Doctors closely monitor anyone taking these medications. They will usually start you off with a high dose to get your symptoms under control quickly, then taper off to a lower dose and then eventually stop the medication when your hives have disappeared.
What are the categories of hives?
If hives last six weeks or fewer, they are called acute urticaria. If they last six weeks or more, they are called chronic urticaria.
What is angioedema?
Angioedema can occur with hives or independently, resulting in swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. In severe cases, when the tongue swells and breathing becomes challenging, it can pose a life-threatening situation. Seeking immediate medical attention at the emergency room is advised, where a doctor can administer an epinephrine injection and provide further patient care. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, requires immediate treatment from a trained medical professional. It is recommended to carry an EpiPen if you have angioedema.
What are the treatment options for hives?
They can be treated with an elimination diet, eliminating the foods that may be triggering the hives.
What is exercise-induced urticaria?
Rarely, some people get hives after exercise. They also get itching and flushing.
What is cholinergic urticaria?
Some individuals develop hives because of stress, exercise, other strenuous activities spicy food, or hot temperatures. This is an unusual skin condition.
What is cold urticaria?
Some individuals develop hives or wheals when the temperature drops within a few minutes after cold exposure. They get the rash as well as fever, chills and conjunctivitis. It can be diagnosed by placing an ice cube on the skin if a hive forms in that spot when the ice cube is removed and this is cold urticaria.
Causes of hives:
- Pet dander (from animals)
- Pollen
- Medication including antibiotics and vitamins/supplements
- Insect stings
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Latex
- Stress
- Extreme Cold or Sun
- Diseases (cancer such as leukemia)
- Infections (mononucleosis)
- Exercise
- Exposure to water
What food triggers hives?
- Nuts
- Berries
- Shellfish (Example: lobster, shrimp, crayfish and crab)
- Aspirin and other painkillers (Example: Codeine, Demerol, Advil, Nuprin, Anaprox, and Motrin)
- Alcohol (Example: wine and beer)
- Food Preservatives and Additives (Example: Salicylates, Benzotes, Yeast, and Azo Dyes)
- Eggs
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Menthol (Example: cigarettes, mouthwash, and cough drops)
- Artificial Sweeteners (Example: saccharin and aspartame)
- Oranges
- Milk
- Carrots
- Apples
- Grapes
What are other treatments?
They can also be treated with prescription topical or oral corticosteroids like prednisone, oral medication, or oral antihistamines. Of course, if a drug is the culprit, it needs to be stopped immediately. Sometimes it is necessary to do a complete medical workup to determine whether you have a viral or fungal infection or even if you have a more serious medical condition like lupus, hepatitis B or even a leukemia or lymphoma.