What Are Hives?
Hives are itchy red welts that appear on the surface of the skin. They can vary from the size of a pinpoint to a large rash and may last anywhere from a few hours to days. Hives occur when the body releases histamine and other chemicals into the skin in response to a trigger, which causes fluid to leak from small blood vessels under the surface, forming welts known as urticaria. There are two main types of hives: acute hives, which last less than six weeks, and chronic hives, which continue for six weeks or more. Regardless of frequency and severity, hives can cause uncomfortable itching, swelling, skin irritation, and self-esteem problems. If you struggle with frequent flare-ups of hives, our team at Atlantic Physicians Group in Brooklyn, NY is here to help diagnose, treat, and manage your condition so you can enjoy clearer skin and greater comfort in your daily routine. An estimated 20% of individuals experience hives at some point in their lives, but with personalized care and guidance from our providers, it's possible to regain comfort and quality of life.
How Do You Treat Hives?
Treatment for hives can vary, depending on how frequent and severe your skin rashes are. For mild cases of urticaria, our team may prescribe antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling. Persistent or severe rashes may require stronger corticosteroids or immunity-suppressing medications. We'll also work to identify known triggers for your urticaria outbreaks and work with you on lifestyle adjustments to minimize the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.
What Are the Symptoms of Hives?
Hives appear as raised, swollen welts on the skin that can be red, pink, or flesh-colored, depending on your skin tone. They often look like mosquito bites or patches of irritated skin and may range in size from small dots to large, map-like areas that blend together. Some other common symptoms of hives include:
- Intense itching or stinging sensation
- Welts that change shape, size, or location quickly
- Swelling under the skin (angioedema), especially on the face or extremities
- Skin reactions triggered by heat, pressure, or allergens
- Flare-ups that come and go without a clear pattern
- Discomfort that worsens at night or during stress
- Lasting welts that persist longer than six weeks (chronic hives)
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Relief for Red, Itchy Skin
Living with hives doesn't have to be your new normal. At Atlantic Physicians Group in Brooklyn, NY, our team specializes in pinpointing the source of skin reactions and crafting personalized treatment plans to soothe symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. Take charge of your skin health by booking a consultation today.