What Causes Hives? What
Treatments Are Available?

Hives are a skin reaction that occurs when the body releases histamine in response to a perceived threat, such as:

• An allergen
• Heat or sweat
• Extreme cold
• Pressure
• Stress
• Too much sun

While many people experience hives occasionally, you want to see a dermatologist if you have hives that:

• Continue for more than a couple of days

• Significantly affect your work, school, or quality of life

• Cover a large portion of your body

• Occur because of a possible allergy

Our doctors provide allergy testing and other services related to diagnosing and treating hives. We use AllergiEnd™ and T.R.U.E. TEST, both needle-free methods of identifying what is causing your reaction.

Possible allergens include foods, bug bites, medications, plants, and animals. Prevention is often vital to dealing with hives and other allergic reactions.

Hives Treatment We Offer

Regarding treatment, our highly-credentialed doctors offer the latest techniques and pharmaceuticals. They could include:

• Anti-itch lotions
• Antihistamines
• Oral corticosteroids
• Other prescription medications
• Phototherapy

Who Can Receive Hives
Treatment in South Florida?

Our South Florida dermatologists provide care for patients of all ages, and we accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare. Hives are a common condition, but there are also several effective treatments.

If you have chronic hives or worry there is an unknown allergen cause, we encourage you to contact us for an appointment. We offer a variety of options for medical management and prevention. Our South Florida doctor can work to identify the cause of your medical condition and explain a treatment plan developed specifically for you.

Our team also respects your time. There is a short wait to see our doctors and a quick follow-up with your test results. We know you came to us for answers, so we want to get them to you as soon as possible.

What Symptoms Does
Hives Treatment Address?

When our dermatologists treat hives, we want to alleviate your symptoms, such as:

• Controlling the itch: The itch is the most limiting symptom of hives. Most people with hives experience an insatiable itch. Scratching only makes the hives worse. Sometimes, this itch is so bad that it causes you to miss work or school, limit your activities, or struggle to sleep.
• Eliminating the redness: Hives can also cause cosmetic concerns, especially on the face, neck, hands, or arms. They are often very red and raised. Eliminating this physical symptom can make you more comfortable returning to work or getting back to your usual activities.

• Preventing new occurrences: You do not have to wonder if or when your hives will come back. Our team works to develop a plan to avoid triggers and prevent new occurrences of hives. When we cannot identify the cause of your hives, we will make other recommendations to reduce your risk of recurrence.

• Identifying the cause: Our health care providers in South Florida work to diagnose your allergies, autoimmune condition, or another cause of your hives and provide the medical care to help you manage it. Identifying the cause of hives is often the best way to treat and prevent them. When you know why you develop this common skin condition, avoiding it in the future is much easier.

How to
Prevent
Hives

Our team works to determine the cause of your hives through the following:

• Investigating your medical history
• Asking you questions about your recent activities
• Conducting allergy tests
• Doing blood work
• Possibly taking a skin biopsy

The only way to prevent a recurrence is by identifying the cause. We understand the common causes, use cutting-edge testing and the latest techniques to determine the likely cause, and develop a plan to avoid the trigger.

Got Any Questions for Our South Florida Doctors? We Can Help You.

When a patient with hives comes to our office, they often ask questions like:

At Palm Beach Dermatology Group, our staff is a family, and we treat every patient like they’re part of our family. From the minute you walk into our office, you will feel at home. We provide a comfortable waiting area but respect your time, so you will not be waiting long.

We also provide the latest procedures, pharmaceuticals, techniques, and other services.