Hives can be itchy and intrusive, but they’re usually temporary. But sometimes, you might not be that lucky. The good news is that treatment can help.
Hives are typically characterized as a rash of itchy skin. They may appear as a pink or reddish rash on lighter skin or may blend in with darker skin tones.
While they usually fade within a day and never return, chronic hives can pop up almost daily for weeks at a time.
The best way to control chronic hives is by working with your Watson Clinic Allergy specialist.
An antihistamine medication may be prescribed to relieve the itch. If that proves ineffective, your doctor may prescribe a different antihistamine at a different dose, or a combination of antihistamine medications. Other medications, including those that help calm your immune system, may also be prescribed.
Additional Preventive Steps
Maintain a journal. What were you doing when you suffered an outbreak of hives? Are you on a new medication? Do you sweat a lot? What were you eating, drinking, or wearing? Writing your observations down in a personal journal may be the key to understanding what’s triggering your hives.
Manage and minimize stress. Stress is one of the main triggers for hives. That’s why stress reduction strategies may be part of your treatment plan. These may include meditation, mindfulness and deep breathing.
Skin care is crucial. Scratching at your hives can trigger even more of them. If your hives itch, apply a damp washcloth to the area, take a warm bath or use an anti-itch lotion. Using fragrance-free skin products; keeping your skin moisturized; and wearing loose, cotton fabric can also reduce the itch and discomfort.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology