Small, red, itchy bumps that develop on the skin as a result of an allergic reaction are called hives (also known as urticaria), and at Dermatology Consultants of South Florida, we can help you manage this condition to keep your skin healthy and itch-free and provide fast and efficient hives treatment.
Serving Coral Springs and surrounding areas in Florida, Dermatology Consultants of South Florida is led by our experienced dermatological team and can treat a wide range of conditions, including hives. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how urticaria can be diagnosed and treated.
What are Hives?
Men and women who experience allergic reactions on their skin may develop itchy red bumps called hives. Depending on the severity of the reaction, these can remain on the skin anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, and although they typically go away on their own, severe cases can be safely and effectively treated by our dermatological experts.
What Causes Hives?
Generally speaking, these bumps are caused by an allergic reaction that releases histamine from cells in the skin. The histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid, causing the skin to swell and resulting in hives. Although most hives itch, this condition can be made worse by excessive itching.
The most effective way to determine the cause of your condition is to identify the underlying allergy. This can include a wide range of environmental factors, such as:
- Foods
- Certain medications
- Underlying medical infections
- Excessive heat, exercise, or cold
- Dog/cat allergies
A separate skin allergy test may be necessary in order to determine all of the allergens that are affecting your skin. This option can be discussed during your consultation with our medical team.
Hives Treatment Process
When this condition develops on your skin, it is often advised to avoid excessively scratching these areas although they may itch as this can exacerbate the condition and cause infection. One of the best ways to treat urticaria is to remove the underlying cause, but depending on the severity of the condition, other medical intervention such as anti-histamine medication or epinephrine injections may be advised.
During a consultation with our medical team, we will evaluate your individual condition and create a hives treatment plan to help you control your symptoms and keep your skin healthy and clear.
Contact Dermatology Consultants of South Florida today to schedule a consultation with our dermatological team and find out more information about the diagnosis and hives treatment.