Hives are most frequently known as causing extreme itching on reddened, welt-like patches of skin. Most hives only last a day or less. However, even in acute cases, new ones may pop up for several days on end. This could last for days or weeks depending on the severity of the condition. Hives that last for longer than six weeks are called chronic. Another thing to know is that most of them occur only on the surface of the skin. Those that occur deeper within the underlying tissues are known as angioedema. These can be more serious because they can affect the eyelids and lips, causing discomfort, visual disturbances and possible disturbances with eating or breathing.
Hives can be incredibly uncomfortable, even if they are not life-threatening. The amount of itching associated with them is incredible. Additionally, you may have huge welts that cause a great deal of swelling. If you are experiencing this condition, it could be due to a one-time exposure to an allergen, or it could even be due to stress. The most common causes include allergies to foods, medications, animals, insect bites or latex. However, some individuals get hives in the same area at regular intervals. These fixed blemishes are typically caused by a specific trigger, such as by scratching, exposure to a chemical or sitting on a particular surface.
Whether you are dealing with a one-time occurrence or have dealt with the condition for an extended period with very little relief, we can offer you a variety of treatments that can prove quite helpful. First, we will always begin with an accurate diagnosis to ensure that we target your problem with the correct treatment. Many times, we will be able to tell what is causing your problem just by looking at your skin. In chronic cases, we may also need to follow this up with additional testing.
If you’re ready to treat your hives, set up an appointment with us at Dermatology Consultants of South Florida, with offices in Coral Springs and Sunrise. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn about your treatment options!