hives treatment San Juan Capistrano, CA

Hives (Urticaria) Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA

Hives are itchy, raised welts that can appear suddenly anywhere on the body and disappear just as quickly, only to return again. While a single episode is often short-lived, chronic hives can disrupt sleep, work, and daily comfort. At HK Dermatology in San Juan Capistrano, CA , our dermatology team helps identify triggers and provides effective treatment to relieve itching and keep hives under control.

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What Are Hives?

Hives, known medically as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that appear when cells in the skin release histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals cause small blood vessels to leak fluid, creating swollen bumps called wheals. Individual hives usually fade within 24 hours, but new ones may keep appearing in different places. Hives can be as small as a pinpoint or join together into large plaques.

Some people also experience angioedema, a deeper swelling that affects the lips, eyelids, hands, feet, or genitals. Angioedema can be uncomfortable and, when it affects the throat or tongue, can become dangerous.

Acute vs. Chronic Hives

  • Acute urticaria: Hives that last less than six weeks. These are often triggered by an identifiable cause, such as a food, medication, insect sting, or viral infection.
  • Chronic urticaria: Hives that come and go for more than six weeks. In most cases, no external trigger is found, and the immune system is thought to play a role. Chronic hives can last months or years but are very manageable with treatment.

Common Triggers

  • Foods such as shellfish, nuts, eggs, and milk
  • Medications, including antibiotics, aspirin, and NSAIDs
  • Viral and bacterial infections
  • Insect bites and stings
  • Physical triggers such as pressure, scratching, heat, cold, sun, exercise, or water
  • Stress
  • Latex, pollen, and pet dander

Symptoms

Hives typically appear as red or skin-colored raised welts with clear borders that itch, sometimes intensely. They may burn or sting, change shape, and move around the body over hours. Pressing the center of a hive often causes it to turn pale.

Seek emergency care immediately if hives are accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the tongue or throat, dizziness, or fainting. These can be signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your provider at HK Dermatology will review your symptoms, health history, medications, and potential triggers, and examine your skin. Keeping a diary of when hives appear can be very helpful. For chronic hives, blood work may be recommended. Treatment options include:

  • Non-sedating antihistamines: The foundation of treatment, sometimes at higher than standard doses for chronic hives.
  • Trigger avoidance: Identifying and limiting exposure to known triggers.
  • Short courses of oral corticosteroids: For severe flares.
  • Advanced therapies: Biologic medications may be recommended for chronic hives that do not respond to antihistamines.
  • Soothing skin care: Cool compresses, loose clothing, and gentle, fragrance-free products to calm itching.

Hives can resemble other itchy conditions such as eczema, contact dermatitis and other rashes, scabies, psoriasis, and even early shingles. Facial flushing that comes and goes may also be rosacea. An accurate diagnosis ensures you get the right treatment. Explore our medical dermatology services, see all conditions we treat, or visit our new patient page and learn why patients choose HK Dermatology.

Hives FAQs

What causes hives?

Hives occur when the skin releases histamine. Common triggers include foods, medications, infections, insect stings, stress, and physical factors like heat, cold, or pressure. In chronic hives, no trigger is found in most cases.

How long do hives last?

Individual hives usually fade within 24 hours. Acute hives typically resolve within a few days to six weeks, while chronic hives continue for more than six weeks.

Are hives contagious?

No. Hives are not contagious, although an underlying infection that triggers them may be.

When are hives an emergency?

Call 911 if hives occur with trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, wheezing, dizziness, or fainting, as these can signal anaphylaxis.

Can stress cause hives?

Yes. Stress can trigger or worsen hives, especially in people with chronic urticaria.

What is the best treatment for chronic hives?

Daily non-sedating antihistamines are usually the first step. When they are not enough, your provider may recommend other medications, including biologic therapy.

Should I see a dermatologist for hives?

See a dermatologist if hives last more than a few days, keep coming back, or interfere with sleep and daily life. Call (949) 248-1632 to schedule a visit, review our insurance information, or read our general FAQs.

Find Lasting Relief From Hives

If hives keep coming back or are disrupting your life, our team can help. Call HK Dermatology at (949) 248-1632 or request an appointment online in San Juan Capistrano, CA .

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