Hives/Urticara

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly and cause significant discomfort. While many cases are temporary, some people experience recurrent or chronic hives that interfere with daily life. At ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY in the Heights and Memorial City in Houston, Texas, Brundha Balaraman, MD, provides thorough evaluation and personalized treatment for both acute and chronic urticaria. If you’re experiencing persistent itching or unexplained skin welts, schedule a consultation by phone or online to determine the cause and find relief.

What are hives (urticaria)?

Hives, medically known as urticaria, are red, pink, or skin-colored welts that appear on the surface of the skin. They often:

• Vary in size
• Change location within hours
• Cause itching or burning
• Appear and disappear quickly

Hives develop when histamine and other chemicals are released from cells in the skin, causing swelling and inflammation.

What causes hives?

Hives can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

• Food allergies (such as nuts, shellfish, or eggs)
• Medications
• Infections
• Insect stings
• Stress
• Heat or cold exposure
• Pressure on the skin

In some cases, no clear cause is identified. When hives last less than six weeks, they are considered acute urticaria. If they persist or recur for more than six weeks, the condition is classified as chronic urticaria.

Chronic hives are often not caused by a specific allergy and may be related to immune system activity.

What is angioedema?

Angioedema is deeper swelling beneath the skin that sometimes occurs along with hives.

It most commonly affects:

• Eyelids
• Lips
• Hands
• Feet
• Throat

Swelling in the throat can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.

How are hives treated?

At ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY, treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Common treatment options include:

• Oral antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling
• Prescription-strength antihistamines for chronic cases
• Short courses of corticosteroids for severe flares
• Biologic medications, such as injectable therapies for chronic urticaria that does not respond to standard treatments

Your provider works to identify potential triggers and create a personalized treatment plan to reduce flare-ups and improve comfort.

When should I seek medical care?

You should seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or fainting

These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and require emergency care.

For ongoing or recurrent hives, a dermatology evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and guide effective treatment.

If you’re experiencing frequent, itchy welts or unexplained skin swelling, contact ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY today to schedule an evaluation. You can reach out by phone or online.