Hives in Webster, TX

At least once in their life, 15% of men and women will experience hives. Ranging in size and shape, hives are welts or patches that develop on the skin and come with uncomfortable symptoms that usually fade within 12 hours. These bothersome welts are also known as urticaria. Our dermatologists at Clear Lake Dermatology in League City and Webster, TX can diagnose, treat, and help you manage urticaria outbreaks. When someone has hives, they can avoid certain triggers to reduce flare-ups or treat one immediately.

Urticaria is caused by a variety of different factors. A single incident of hives can be caused by a virus or disease. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days or a couple of weeks. Chronic hives tend to be triggered by an allergic reaction to things like medicine, bug bites or stings, nuts, shellfish, and certain fabrics. Stress can also trigger a flare-up. While these can be treated, a separate form of hives (known as physical urticaria) is a bit different. Some of the causes of physical urticaria include exercise, pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, and dermatographism. Our dermatologists will do a comprehensive skin examination to understand what's causing your outbreak of hives. Then, we'll develop a treatment plan that addresses the current outbreak and prevents future ones.

Symptoms can last from just a few minutes to months or sometimes years. While they may resemble bug bites, hives are distinct in several ways:

• Hives can appear on almost any area of the human body; they might change shape, move around, fade, and reappear over brief intervals.
• The crimson or skin-colored wheals with clear edges typically appear unexpectedly and disappear just as quickly.
• Pushing the center of a red hive makes it white. This technique is known as blanching.

We can treat hives with an antihistamine, which will ease swelling and itching. These medicines are used for both chronic and acute urticarias and can prevent future flare-ups. Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a type of hives that persists for months to sometimes years. This more severe form of hives is treated with antihistamines and omalizumab (an injectable humanized antibody), which minimizes sensitivity to irritants and allergens. Before we create your customized treatment plan, we'll perform a comprehensive skin exam to determine the cause of your hives. This will allow us to tailor your treatments and help you feel your best.

Are hives scratchy?

Yes, hives can be intensely itchy, ranging from slight to severe. Patients should refrain from tearing at the bumps since rubbing can crack the skin and increase the possibility of inflammation. Some people who reach out to Clear Lake Dermatology with hives voice that the bulges throb or prickle rather than twinge. Hives frequently feel heated to the touch since the skin is swollen.

Are hives spreadable?

Hives are not contagious. You can't get urticaria by touching someone else's skin or being in the vicinity of someone with hives. However, the source of urticaria may be spreadable. Our team at Clear Lake Dermatology will request medical information and perform an extensive skin assessment to determine the cause of the hives, which can be a disease, virus, or allergic reaction.

How long do hives persist?

The continuity of hives could depend on whether they are severe or continual. Nearly all circumstances of mild urticaria resolve on their own in just a few hours with the assistance of antihistamine medicines. For a flare-up of hives that doesn't resolve after at least six weeks, you should arrange a visit at Clear Lake Dermatology in Webster, TX.

What should I do if I experience hives?

If you develop hives, it’s important to try to identify any potential triggers, such as food, medication, or environmental factors. Taking over-the-counter antihistamines may help reduce itching and swelling. If hives persist, worsen, or are accompanied by difficulty breathing or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention at Clear Lake Dermatology.

Can stress cause hives?

Yes, stress can be a trigger for hives. Emotional stress can cause the body to release histamines, which may lead to the development of hives. In cases where stress is a known trigger, managing stress levels through relaxation techniques or therapy may help reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

How can I prevent hives?

Preventing hives involves identifying and avoiding known triggers, such as specific foods, medications, or environmental factors. Keeping a diary of your hives outbreaks may help you and your doctor pinpoint the cause. In some cases, regular antihistamine use or other medications may be recommended to prevent chronic hives.

No matter the root cause of your problem, hives can be concerning, embarrassing, and uncomfortable. If you're currently dealing with symptoms of urticaria, or have a history of outbreaks, patients in the Greater Houston area can find relief after discovering what causes their hives. If you'd like to experience this relief and get the treatment you deserve, please call Clear Lake Dermatology in Webster or League City, TX and schedule a consultation, We can help you take control of your life and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.