Hives can appear suddenly as red, itchy welts that cause significant discomfort. At Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center, our dermatology team, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Wolfe, provides compassionate, expert care to identify triggers and relieve symptoms, helping you find lasting comfort and restore healthy skin.
Reduce Flare-ups for Clearer, Calmer Skin
Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can vary in size, shape, and location. They may appear suddenly and often fade within hours, though chronic cases can last weeks or longer. Hives occur when your immune system releases histamine in response to allergens, medications, stress, infections, or temperature changes. The reaction causes blood vessels in the skin to leak, leading to swelling and redness. Understanding the cause of your hives is essential to developing an effective, personalized treatment plan.
Signs & Symptoms of Hives:
- Raised, red or skin-colored welts that may merge together
- Itching or burning sensations that can intensify with heat or stress
- Swelling around the eyes, lips, or other areas of the face
- Welts that change shape or move to different areas over time
- Sudden appearance and disappearance, often within hours
- Flare-ups triggered by allergens, temperature changes, or pressure on the skin
Professional Hives Diagnosis & Treatment
When you visit Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center for hives, your dermatologist will begin by taking a detailed medical history and performing a skin examination. They may ask about recent foods, medications, environmental exposures, and stress levels to help identify possible triggers. In some cases, diagnostic tests such as allergy panels, blood work, or skin biopsies may be ordered to rule out infections or underlying autoimmune conditions.
Once the cause of your hives is better understood, your dermatologist will create a personalized treatment plan. This may include antihistamines to block histamine release, corticosteroids for inflammation, or immune-modulating medications for chronic cases. If triggers are identified, your provider will help you develop a prevention strategy to minimize flare-ups. The goal is to manage symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and help you restore clear, calm skin.
What Causes Hives?
Hives develop when your immune system releases histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, causing fluid to leak from small blood vessels into the skin. This reaction can be triggered by a wide range of factors, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. Some hives appear within minutes of exposure, while others develop gradually or persist for weeks.
Common triggers and underlying causes may include:
- Allergic reactions to foods such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, or dairy
- Medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi
- Physical triggers like heat, cold, sunlight, or skin pressure
- Emotional stress or anxiety that activates immune responses
- Insect bites or stings leading to localized allergic reactions
- Autoimmune conditions that cause the body to overreact to its own tissues
- Environmental irritants such as pollen, pet dander, or detergents
Schedule Your Consultation With One of Our Dermatology Providers
Dermatology Associates Skin & Cancer Center is proud to serve Bay County with compassionate, expert dermatologic care rooted in 50+ years of community trust. Our team, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Wolfe, provides advanced evaluation and personalized treatments for skin conditions like hives. Our team’s attention to detail and patient-first approach ensure that every individual receives thoughtful, lasting care. If you’re struggling with recurrent hives or skin irritation, schedule your consultation today.
