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At Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we provide treatment for hives in Boston. Also known as urticaria, hives are an allergic reaction and are not contagious. They appear as red bumps, raised patches, or both, on the skin.
Hives Symptoms
Hives are welts, or swollen patches or bumps that appear anywhere on the face or body. These welts can have different sizes and shapes and may change location after a few hours.
Hives create an itchy sensation, which varies from mild to severe. They also cause inflammation. Other symptoms include painful swelling (angioedema) that can be experienced on the lips, eyelids, inside the throat, and deep in the skin.
Hives can last a few weeks or less on a short-term or acute level. Some cases persist for more than six weeks and may possibly be chronic. Recurrence can happen often and can be unpredictable on a monthly or yearly basis.
Causes of Hives
Hives appear as the body’s hypersensitive reaction to certain substances the person has encountered or swallowed.
They can be caused by allergens like pollen, medications, food, dander, and insect bites. Although this skin condition is an allergic reaction by nature, it is triggered by allergens alone.
Hives can also be an effect of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections. Additionally, hives can develop due to too much exposure to hot or cold temperature.
Sine there are various causes for hives, identifying the root cause is difficult for every patient.
Diagnosing Hives
To accurately diagnose hives, your dermatologist will examine the welts areas on your face or body. You will also be required to present your complete medical history and prescriptions to help the doctor narrow down the root cause of your allergic reaction.
The two of you will discuss your lifestyle habits and environment to further evaluate other factors that may be the cause of these swollen patches.
Be ready to take blood tests and allergy skin tests to help the dermatologist diagnose your condition properly.
Treatment Options
Patients with mild symptoms may not need to undergo any treatment for hives. Most of the time, this skin condition goes away on its own. Your doctor may prescribe medications if your case is chronic or if you are experiencing severe itching and discomfort.
The usual treatment is over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines. These reduce itching, swelling, and allergy symptoms.
If antihistamines do not work for your hives, you may be prescribed drugs that will suppress your immune system. There are cases where hives appear due to an overactive immune system that releases too much histamine. Histamine is a chemical created and produced in the bloodstream when your immune system is defending your body from allergens.
If swelling worsens, your doctor may treat your hives or angioedema with anti-inflammatory drugs to lessen swelling, inflammation, and itching.
Contact Us for Hives Treatment
For more information on treatment options for hives in Boston, schedule a consultation at Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center. Our medical experts will assess your skin condition and help you determine a suitable treatment, so contact us today.
Your procedure will be performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Franks in Boston, MS.
