Hives Treatment
in Phoenix, AZ
If you are dealing with hives, our medical dermatology specialists at Regency Specialties can help. We will assess the severity of your condition to determine the best course of treatment for you. Our team is experienced in identifying the triggers that may be causing your hives and providing relief quickly. With personalized care, we aim to reduce discomfort and prevent future outbreaks.
What Are Hives
(Urticaria)?
Hives (urticaria) is a type of allergic reaction characterized by itchy inflammation and redness of the skin, as well as superficial, localized swelling. Hives can affect the entire body or be limited to specific areas. This condition presents differently in different people, ranging from tiny dots to large welts.
What Causes Hives?
Sometimes hives occur as the result of an allergic reaction, but for some people, hives can appear without warning, recur, and last for weeks or months. They may change shape, move around, disappear completely, and reappear over short periods of time. Common Triggers of Hives
- Common Triggers of Hives
- Food and/or alcohol
- Food and/or alcohol
- Insect bites
- Emotional stress
- Medications
- Pregnancy
- Exposure to allergens (pet dander, dust, mold, chemicals)
How Are Hives Treated?
Treatment typically consists of trigger avoidance and oral antihistamine medications to eliminate the rash and its associated symptoms.
Trigger Avoidance
One of the most effective ways to manage hives is through trigger avoidance. By carefully identifying and avoiding triggers, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, environmental factors, or stress. Our specialists can help you pinpoint what might be causing your hives and create a personalized plan for avoiding triggers, helping you maintain healthier skin, and preventing future flare-ups.
Oral Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines are a standard and effective treatment for controlling hives. These medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes itching, redness, and swelling. By reducing histamine activity, oral antihistamines can provide fast relief from discomfort and help prevent new hives from forming. Our dermatology team can recommend the best antihistamine for your specific symptoms and guide you on proper usage for optimal results.
Your Appointment:
What to Expect
Initial Consultation
During your first visit, our specialists will review your medical history to understand any past reactions, chronic conditions, or factors that may be contributing to your hives. This helps us identify potential triggers and ensures we provide the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
Physical Examination
We will examine the affected area of your skin to assess the severity, pattern, and type of hives present. This thorough evaluation allows us to determine whether the hives are acute or chronic and guides the next steps in your care.
Allergy Testing
If your hives may be linked to specific allergens, we may recommend allergy testing. This can help pinpoint reactions to foods, environmental factors, or insect stings, giving us a clearer picture of what might be causing your symptoms.
Identifying Triggers
Our team will discuss possible triggers with you, including environmental factors, foods, medications, and insect stings. By identifying these triggers, we can help you avoid them and prevent future outbreaks.
Treatment Planning
Finally, we will create a personalized treatment plan based on your medical history, examination results, and any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your hives. This plan may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, and strategies for managing flare-ups effectively.
How Long Does It Take to Treat Hives?
The duration of hives treatment can vary depending on the cause and severity of your condition.
- For many patients, short-term hives may improve quickly with medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, which help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
- Chronic hives, on the other hand, can persist for more than 6 weeks and may require ongoing management. In some cases, antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed if an underlying infection or condition is contributing to the outbreak.
Patients are also advised to avoid heat on the affected area, as excessive warmth can trigger itching or worsen swelling. With proper care and guidance from our specialists, most people see noticeable improvement and long-term relief.
Candidates for Hives Treatment
Hives treatment is suitable for anyone experiencing persistent or uncomfortable skin reactions. This includes individuals with skin-colored welts, raised patches, or widespread swelling that causes itching and discomfort. People with specific conditions, such as aquagenic urticaria – a rare reaction to water – may also benefit from specialized care. Treatment is recommended when the symptoms interfere with daily life or when exposure to the most common triggers, such as pollen, foods, or medications, consistently provokes outbreaks.
In some cases, soothing remedies, such as finely ground oatmeal baths, may help relieve irritation, but a medical evaluation ensures that underlying causes are addressed and symptoms are adequately managed.
Benefits of Hives Treatment
Effective hives treatment offers both immediate relief and long-term skin health benefits. One of the primary advantages is the reduction of uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, swelling, and irritation, allowing you to go about your daily activities without constant discomfort. Treatment can also help prevent future outbreaks by identifying and managing triggers, such as foods, environmental factors, or allergens. For chronic cases, medical care can address underlying causes and improve overall skin resilience. Additionally, proper treatment can enhance your quality of life, reduce stress associated with flare-ups, and provide personalized strategies to manage symptoms safely and effectively.
Cost of Hives Treatment in
Phoenix, AZ
The cost of hives treatment in Phoenix typically ranges from $100 to $500 per visit, depending on the severity of your condition and the treatments required. Factors such as allergy testing, medications, and follow-up appointments can affect the total cost. Many insurance plans may cover part of the treatment, and our team can help you understand your options and any out-of-pocket expenses before starting care.
Our Clinic Is a Trusted Destination for Treating Hives and Other Skin Conditions
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive care for patients experiencing itchy welts, new hives, and more severe reactions, such as angioedema. In many cases, timely treatment can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve comfort quickly. Our doctors carefully evaluate each patient’s condition, considering how hives affect the body and whether medications, including steroids, are appropriate to control inflammation and reduce flare-ups. With personalized treatment plans and professional guidance, we help patients manage their symptoms effectively and maintain healthier skin over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between acute hives and chronic hives?
Acute and chronic hives differ mainly in their duration. Acute hives appear suddenly and usually resolve within a few days or weeks, often triggered by an allergic reaction, infection, or medication. Chronic hives, on the other hand, persist for more than six weeks and may occur repeatedly over months or even years. Understanding whether your condition is acute or chronic hives helps our doctors determine the most effective treatment approach.
Is acute urticaria (acute hives) dangerous to health?
In most cases, acute urticaria is not dangerous and resolves on its own. However, severe hives can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Certain conditions, such as thyroid disease, immune system disorders, food allergies, or hepatitis, may develop alongside hives and require medical attention. If you experience intense swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent hives, it’s essential to seek prompt evaluation.
Do home remedies for hives work?
Some home remedies may provide temporary relief for mild hives, but they are not a substitute for professional care. For example, soothing baths with baking soda or cool compresses can reduce itching and discomfort. However, persistent or severe hives require evaluation by a dermatologist to identify triggers and receive effective treatment.
Are your dermatologists board-certified?
Yes, our dermatologists are board-certified and highly experienced in treating a wide range of skin conditions. In order to achieve excellent results with hives treatment, Phoenix residents should contact our skilled specialists who provide personalized care and evidence-based solutions.
