Hives and other Allergic Skin Problems
Hives are red, itchy swollen blotches on the skin. They often appear suddenly and go away within a few hours but sometimes they can last several days. They frequently appear in clusters and can be very uncomfortable.
Hives are usually caused by exposure to some substance to which you are allergic. Things that cause hives include environmental allergies, foods such as tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish and medications such as antibiotics or even aspirin or NSAID’s. In some, even exposure to the cold can cause hives.
The best way to treat hives is to try to avoid what causes them. Allergy medicines such as antihistamines can also be used to give a patient quick relief. Sometimes, it is necessary to take medication on a regular basis to try to prevent the hives from starting in the first place. For patients who have continual problems with hives or other allergic skin conditions, an allergy evaluation can be helpful. Your allergist will try to identify the source of your problem and then develop an effective treatment plan to help prevent these irritating skin conditions from occurring. Fortunately, most patients who have skin allergies can be given significant relief so that the skin problems bother them less and do not interfere with the quality of their life.