Hives Treatment in Ann Arbor, MI
Hives are characterized as itchy red, raised welts (also known as wheals) on the skin’s surface that can spread or join together and form larger areas of raised lesions. They are generally triggered by exposure to an allergen. They tend to appear suddenly and often disappear equally as suddenly. Classically, individual hives last no more than 24 hours.
Symptoms and Triggers of Hives
Hives tend to appear as raised, itchy bumps that can be red or skin-colored. Hives will also have blanching, which is when the center of a red hive turns white after being pressed.
There are many things that could trigger hives, and it’s important to be able to identify your triggers. These could include:
- Foods
- Medications
- Insect stings or bites
- Pressure
- Cold
- Heat
- Sun exposure
- Exercise
- Latex
- Pet dander
- Pollen
Hives are usually an allergic reaction to food, medicine, or animals. They can be triggered by sun exposure, pressure, cold or hot exposure, stress, excessive perspiration, or other, more serious diseases, such as lupus. Anyone can get hives. Hives may itch, burn, or sting. They may need medical attention if they do not disappear on their own or recur frequently.
Types of Hives
There are two types of hives that you may deal with. These types are short-lived and long-term, also known as acute and chronic, respectively. Neither is usually life-threatening, but it’s important to seek emergency care if there’s any swelling in the throat.
Hives lasting more than six weeks are known as chronic urticaria or, if there is swelling below the surface of the skin, angioedema. There are no known causes of angioedema, but it can affect internal organs and therefore, requires medical attention. Long term treatment may require combinations of antihistamine and immunosuppression.
Acute hives tend to last a short amount of time and don’t tend to recur. There’s usually a direct trigger of acute hives.
Treating Hives
You must avoid your triggers and talk with a dermatologist to fully diagnose hives and help you manage them. Be sure to avoid scratching your hives and take baths to help reduce itching. Be sure to wear breathable clothes and try to manage your body temperature.