Hives: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

ByAccess Health Care Physicians, LLC

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that affects approximately 20% of the population at some point in their lives. Hives appear as red, itchy, and raised welts on the skin and can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Here’s what you need to know about hives:

Symptoms: The primary symptom of hives is the appearance of red, itchy, and raised welts on the skin. These welts can appear anywhere on the body and can vary in size and shape. In some cases, hives can cause swelling in the face, lips, or tongue, which can lead to difficulty breathing and require immediate medical attention.

Causes: Hives can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergic reactions, infections, medications, stress, and environmental factors. Allergic reactions to foods, insect bites, and medications are common causes of hives. Infections such as viral or bacterial infections can also trigger hives. Emotional stress, heat, cold, and exposure to sun or water can also cause hives.

Urticaria / Hives - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Treatment: Treatment for hives depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. For mild cases of hives, over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or loratadine, can help to relieve itching and swelling. For more severe cases, prescription-strength antihistamines or corticosteroids may be needed. In cases where hives are caused by an underlying medical condition, treating the underlying condition is necessary to alleviate hives.

Prevention: Preventing hives involves avoiding triggers that cause an allergic reaction. If you have a known allergy to a particular food, medication, or insect, it’s important to avoid exposure to those allergens. If hives are caused by environmental factors, such as heat, cold, or sun exposure, wearing protective clothing or staying in a cooler environment can help to prevent hives.

In conclusion, hives are a common skin condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. Symptoms include red, itchy, and raised welts on the skin. Treatment options include over-the-counter or prescription-strength antihistamines, corticosteroids, or treating underlying medical conditions. Prevention involves avoiding triggers that cause allergic reactions and taking steps to protect against environmental factors that can cause hives. If you experience severe or persistent hives, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Also Read: Hives: Causes, Treatments, and Symptoms

At Access Health Care Physicians, we are dedicated to the delivery of primary and specialty care. Our multi-specialty group provides care to the people of Spring Hill, Florida, or other multiple locations. We specialize in the areas of internal medicine, Abdominal Ultrasound, Anodyne Treatment, Blood Draws, Bone Density Testing, Carotid Doppler, etc. Along with the array of services provided by our internists to prevent, diagnose and treat medical conditions in adults, our clinic also offers a number of other specialized services. We will always have time to serve you. You will have direct access to your physicians. We are also helping businesses take command of the healthcare they provide for their employees. No longer will businesses have to struggle to pay for quality healthcare. We will provide higher quality care at a lower price.