Should You See a Doctor for Your Hives?

Hives are a skin reaction that result in red, itchy welts on your skin. While these can be causes by a variety of circumstances, in most cases they quickly dissipate and heal on their own. However, if you have ongoing hive symptoms, it can be both agonizing and embarrassing, requiring a medical solution. Here is some basic information on hives and when you should seek the medical advice of a skin specialist.

Hives are usually caused due to an allergic reaction, often exposure to something you touched or ingested. Some plants can cause hives, such as poison ivy or stinging nettles, but even a soap or food can cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy. These welts can vary in size from small spots like a rash to large inflamed areas of skin as big as a dinner plate. While most hives go away within 24 hours, some reactions can continue longer, even for weeks.

The trigger of hives is usually histamine in the system. This is your body’s defense to substances that it has become sensitive or allergic to. The simple solution is to avoid these substances and use over-the-counter anti-histamine medication to treat symptoms. But for some people, hives do not go away on their own and require the help of a medical professional.

If you have hives that last for several weeks or are severe, you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. These skin specialists can help determine the cause of the hives, give you relief from the symptoms and help prevent future hive breakouts. There are several treatments and medications that are effective for relieving hives and helping control this skin condition.

Posted on behalf of:
Medical Dermatology Specialists
5730 Glenridge Drive, Suite T-100
Atlanta GA 30328
(404) 939-9220

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