Hives And Swelling Specialist
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Magnolia Allergy and Asthma
Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Physician located in Dallas & Corsicana, TX
An estimated 20% of Americans will experience the itching and swelling of hives at some point in their lives. Dr. Sandhu at Magnolia Allergy and Asthma is an expert in the treatment of hives and swelling. Dr. Sandhu can help you get relief from hives that don’t respond to antihistamines. She can also help you determine whether your hives are associated with an allergy or another health condition. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in Dallas or Corsicana, Texas, or use the online booking feature.
Hives and Swelling Q&A
What are hives?
Hives, also called urticaria, are red, raised, itchy patches that suddenly appear on your skin and then disappear within a few minutes or hours. However, new hives may keep appearing, so hives can last for days. If your hives last longer than six weeks, they’re considered to be chronic hives.
Hives may resemble other rashes, but they have distinct qualities such as:
- Wheals appear and disappear quickly
- Red hives turn white when they’re pressed
- Wheals can change shapes
Multiple hives can also merge together to form one large patch.
What other symptoms develop when I have hives?
Hives often occur together with angioedema, which is an accumulation of fluids in the tissues below your hives. Angioedema causes additional redness and swelling. While hives cause mild-to-intense itching, angioedema is often painful.
Though hives can be very uncomfortable, they’re not dangerous on their own. However, if hives and the swelling of angioedema develop due to allergies, they could be the start of a severe anaphylactic reaction that needs emergency medical attention.
What causes hives?
Hives often develop due to allergies such as:
- Pollen
- Food
- Poison ivy
- Insect stings
- Medications
- Latex
But hives are also frequently caused by other health problems, including:
- Viral infections
- Thyroid disease
- Chronic stress
- Scratching your skin
- Contact with chemicals and irritants
Hives can also be triggered by sunlight and changes in temperature.
How are hives and swelling treated?
Dr. Sandhu reviews your medical history, examines your hives, and may order blood tests to determine if you have any underlying health conditions that could be causing the problem.
If she suspects allergies caused your hives, she may perform allergy testing to determine the allergens responsible for your reaction.
When your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment other than over-the-counter medication to help relieve the itching while your hives run their course. Otherwise, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory drugs are the first line of treatment for hives.
Dr. Sandhu may recommend cutting-edge treatments such as Xolair® if your hives don’t improve with antihistamines or when you have severe or chronic hives.
If you develop hives and need relief from your symptoms, call Magnolia Allergy and Asthma or book an appointment online.