What Do We Treat?

Hives

The first step in controlling hives is to identify the cause, if possible. Once you have identified the source of the problem, try to avoid exposure to it in the future. Applying calamine lotion or a cold compress to the area will relieve itching.

A mild case of hives often disappears on its own after a few hours. A longer-lasting case should respond to over-the-counter oral antihistamine. If your hives don’t disappear in a few days, call us for an appointment.

For chronic or especially troublesome outbreaks of hives, we will probably order a course of prescription antihistamines. Treatment with oral corticosteroids will sometimes reduce swelling when antihistamines don’t work, but they are usually reserved for severe cases in which suffocation or other complications are indicated. Ultraviolet light treatments are effective for hives caused by exposure to cold. If you have the subsurface welts of angioedema, you may require hospitalization.