Hives or urticaria is transient itchy mosquito-like skin bumps that come and go and do not leave skin marks. Hives or urticaria is not a disease, but rather a symptom of different types of medical conditions or diseases. A multitude of things can cause hives but if it presents for more than 6 weeks or if the skin leaves red or dark marks after the hives go away, you might need to see an allergist to be looked at and get appropriate treatment. Those can be due to urticaria vasculitis. Chronic hives or chronic urticaria can be very frustrating that might significantly affects your quality of life. If hive lesions are in the facial area, it may cause facial swelling, lip swelling or angioedema. In an allergic reaction, hives may precede anaphylaxis. Hive lesions should not last for more than a day. They usually disappear and are replaced by new lesions. When it disappears, the skin should look normal without any marks. If there is any skin hyperpigmentation or skin marks left, a vasculitis etiology should be entertained. Determining etiologies and getting appropriate treatments that does not cause significant side effects are key. Expectation of treatment process is also keys for successful treatment.
If you or your family have or suspect of having this condition, please stop by to discuss with us to see how we could help. Below are services and procedures we offer at Texas Allergy for this condition.
- Evaluating of etiologies
- Allergy testing
- Immune modulators, immunosuppressants or other non-steroid sparing agents for symptom control
- Xolair® injection for recalcitrant chronic urticaria
- For more information, visit our Chronic Hives / Chronic Urticaria Clinic
