Katy residents ask, “What causes hives?”

Hives are swollen, red, often itchy patches that can appear on the skin for a number of reasons. They are most commonly a reaction to allergens and have also been known to burn or sting. Hives appear most commonly on the face, ears, tongue, throat, or lips.

Angioedema is a type of hives that causes swelling underneath the skin, usually around the eyes or lips. Typically, the swelling subsides within a day.

Nearly a quarter of people will have some sort of hives outbreak in their lives. They hives can be small, like a bug bite, or can be as large as a dinner plate. Most outbreaks of hives are harmless and will go away on their own, although some can be the sign of a serious allergic reaction.

What causes hives?

Hives occur as the body’s response to a trigger. This can be a chemical, a bug bite, sun exposure, a certain medication, stress, exercise, or an allergic reaction. When the person is exposed to this trigger, the body releases histamine. When this happens, blood plasma leaks out of the edges of the vessels underneath the skin, forming the blotches we have come to know as hives. Hives can go away quickly, but some can last for a few hours or even days.

The main types of hives include:

• Acute uritcaria – hives that go away in less than six weeks.
• Chronic urticarial – hives that last longer than six weeks.
• Physical urticarial – hives caused by non-allergic reactions (sun exposure, heat, stress, exercise)

What are my treatment options?

Many cases of hives will clear up on their own. Over the counter antihistamines can help with any discomfort from itching. If you have repeated outbreaks of hives or are not seeing a response to antihistamines, you will want to make an appointment to come in and visit with the dermatologist.

In some cases, hives can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction and may affect bodily functions. The best way to manage hives is to try and avoid exposure to known triggers. This may mean staying out of the sun for prolonged periods of time or avoiding certain foods.

If you are in the Katy, TX area and are looking for a dermatologist you can trust to help you with your hives or other skin conditions, call us today.