Hives Specialist
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Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC
Kiranjit K. Khalsa, MD, MPH
Allergy & Immunology Practice serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas
Hives are an uncomfortable, itchy skin condition that commonly affects nearly one-fourth of the population. For 2% of children and 5% of adults, hives turn into a chronic problem that needs special treatment. At Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC, Kiranjit Khalsa, MD, MPH, offers advanced care for all types of hives, whether they're due to allergies, health conditions, or physical triggers. To get exceptional treatment for hives, call the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or book an appointment online today.
Hives Q&A
What are hives?
Hives, also called urticaria, are red, raised patches that suddenly appear on your skin and then disappear in a few minutes or hours. Though they may quickly disappear, new hives keep developing. As a result, your hives may last for days. If they remain longer than six weeks, you have chronic hives.
In addition to appearing and disappearing quickly, hives have other qualities that set them apart from other skin rashes. Red hives turn white when you press them. Additionally, the wheals may change shapes, and several hives can merge together to form one large patch.
What causes hives?
Hives commonly occur due to allergies, especially allergens such as:
- Pollen
- Food
- Poison ivy
- Insect venom
- Medications
- Latex
However, health conditions and a range of physical triggers also lead to hives, including:
- Viral infection
- Thyroid disease
- Chronic stress
- Sunlight
- Changes in body temperature
- Contact and pressure
Hives often develop in response to physical contact and pressure. For example, rubbing or scratching your skin, pressure due to a tight belt, and body areas under constant pressure like the bottoms of your feet can all cause hives.
What symptoms accompany hives?
Hives typically cause itching. In many cases, hives appear together with a condition called angioedema.
Angioedema occurs as fluids accumulate in the tissues below your hives. The symptoms of angioedema include pain, redness, and swelling, often around your face, lips, hands, and feet.
How are hives treated?
Dr. Khalsa reviews your medical history, examines your hives, and may order blood tests to rule out other health conditions that cause hives. If she suspects your hives were caused by allergies, she performs allergy testing such as a skin prick test and treats your allergy.
A mild case of hives may not need treatment other than medications to relieve the itching while the hives run their course. You may also need antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids to help eliminate the wheals.
If you develop chronic hives, you may need other medications. Dr. Khalsa may recommend an advanced biologic like Xolair® to control your symptoms and help prevent chronic hives.
If you need expert treatment for hives or angioedema, call Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC, or book an appointment online today.
