Hives & Related Conditions
Hives (medical name urticaria) is a general term describing red, itchy welts (or wheals) that can appear anywhere on the skin. Hives often erupt as a result of an allergic reaction to food (such as fish, shellfish, nuts, eggs and milk), medications, pet dander, insect bites, etc. Other factors such as stress and illness can also trigger an outbreak of hives. Hives can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly, and usually do not result in scarring.
Call 911 if you experience shortness of breath, tightness in your throat, swelling of your tongue or face, dizziness or wheezing. You may require an emergency dose of adrenaline or steroid if your reaction is severe.
Overview
Hives are classified as short-term (acute lasting less than 6 weeks) and long-term (chronic lasting more than 6 weeks). Hives affect everyone, although children, young adults and pregnant women are susceptible to particular types. The major types of hives are outlined below:
| • | Short-Term Hives (Acute Urticaria)
Red, itchy lesions lasting from hours to days, fading completely in less than 6 weeks. Acute hives are usually the result of and allergen or other trigger (heat, tight fitting clothing, stress, etc.) |
| • | Long-Term Hives (Chronic Urticaria)
Hives lasting more than 6 weeks are most common in young adults, although everyone is susceptible. Pinpointing the cause can be difficult, and may include ingestants (food, additives, drugs), inhalants (dust, feather, pollen), injectants (drugs, stings, bites), infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), or internal disease (thyroid disease, lupus). |
| • | Angioedema
Swelling of the skin and mucous membranes, usually around the eyes and mouth, although all parts of the body can be affected. Can occur simultaneously with hives. Swelling can be severe, and emergency treatment should be sought when swelling affects breathing. |
| • | Physical Hives (Physical Urticaria)
Sudden eruption of the skin due to scratching, pressure, vibration, heat, cold or ultraviolet light (sunlight). |
| • | PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy)
PUPPPis the most common skin condition associated with pregnancy and usually affects the skin on the abdomen late in the third trimester. It includes redness, small lesions and itching which can last 1 to 6 weeks. PUPPP does not cause complications with the pregnancy, is not passed on to the newborn, and rarely recurs with future pregnancies. |
 |  |  | | PUPPP is the most common skin condition associated with pregnancy |
Treatment
Your Trillium Creek Dermatology Medical Professional usually treat hives with antihistamines, although more persistent cases may require such medications as prednisone and corticosteriods. Any known triggers should be discontinued or eliminated. Hives that affect your throat can block your airway, and should be treated immediately.
Results
Short-term hives generally disappear quickly without scarring. Chronic hives can be more difficult to eradicate, but the specialists at Trillium Creek have the knowledge and experience required to manage even the most persistent hives effectively over the long term.
Call the Dermatology & Surgery Center to schedule an appointment at:
330.725.0569
Other Trillium Creek Service Areas:
Mohs Skin Cancer Center 330.721.9990
Ohio Holistic Medicine (OHM) 330.721.9990
The Boutique at Trillium Creek 330.722.5477
|
