Hives
Hives Services Offered in Riverview, FL
About 20% of the population develops hives, which are red, raised bumps on the skin that often indicate an allergic reaction. If you or your child develops hives, see the experts at Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care in Riverview, Florida. Rajivi Rucker, MD, MPH, and Craig Kalik, MD, can help discover the underlying cause and create a personalized treatment plan. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a visit online today.
Hives FAQ's
What are hives?
Hives are red, raised welts that can develop on the skin. They often stem from an allergic reaction and can become itchy or uncomfortable. Numerous allergens can lead to hives. Finding out what’s causing them can reduce your risk of hives and other allergic reactions in the future.
Call 911 if you or a loved one develops hives with signs of anaphylaxis, such as trouble breathing, confusion, and/or throat swelling.
What are the symptoms of hives?
Hives can appear as:
- Red, raised bumps
- Itchy skin
- Swelling
- Welts that spread
- Red bumps that increase in size
Skin welts sometimes change shape or come and go. They typically last no more than 48 hours.
What can cause hives?
The following could cause hives:
- Medications
- Certain foods
- Insect stings
- Infections
- Stress
- Exercise
- Pressure on the skin
- Hot or cold temperatures
- Animal dander
- Pollen
- Excessive sweating
- Illnesses
Risk factors may include immunodeficiency, eczema, allergies, and asthma.
If hives are caused by an allergen, you might develop dizziness, vomiting, or shortness of breath. However, the exact cause of hives isn’t always clear.
How are hives diagnosed?
The Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care experts review your symptoms and medical history to find the root cause of hives. They can diagnose hives by examining your skin.
Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care also offers skin prick testing, patch testing, and allergy blood tests to learn which allergens you’re sensitive to.
During a skin prick test, your provider pricks your skin with a small amount of potential allergens to see if red bumps appear.
Patch testing requires you to wear patches on your skin for a longer time period (usually about 48 hours) to see if an allergen causes a reaction.
Blood tests screen for increased levels of specific antibodies in your bloodstream, which can indicate allergies.
How are hives treated?
A hives treatment plan may include:
- Allergen avoidance
- Oral medications
- Injections
- Topical medications
- Insect venom immunotherapy
- Food oral immunotherapy
- Epinephrine injector for anaphylaxis
Follow up with the Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care team to ensure your allergy treatment plan is effective and long-lasting.
Schedule a hives evaluation at Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.
