Hives, also called urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly and vary in size and location. They may also cause swelling around the eyes or lips. The dermatology team at Northstar Dermatology evaluates and treats hives for patients throughout Fort Worth, helping identify possible triggers and develop a treatment plan to reduce symptoms and recurrence.
If hives are persistent, severe, or difficult to control, schedule an evaluation with a Fort Worth hives dermatologist.
Urticaria is an inflammatory skin condition caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from immune cells in the skin.
Hives typically appear as pink, red, or skin-colored welts that may itch, burn, or swell. Swelling around the eyes or lips can also occur.
In some cases, hives may be accompanied by swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or other signs of a serious allergic reaction. These symptoms require immediate emergency medical care.
Hives are commonly classified as acute or chronic based on how long they last.
Acute urticaria typically lasts less than six weeks and may be triggered by:
Chronic urticaria lasts longer than six weeks. In many cases, the exact cause cannot be identified, even after evaluation.
For some Fort Worth patients, environmental conditions such as heat, sun exposure, pressure, or rapid temperature changes may also trigger certain types of hives.
There are several forms of chronic inducible urticaria, including:
Because there are many possible triggers, keeping a record of when hives appear and what you were exposed to beforehand may help identify patterns.
The main goals of treatment are to relieve itching and reduce recurring outbreaks. Oral antihistamines are commonly used and may include over-the-counter options such as loratadine, cetirizine, or fexofenadine. Prescription antihistamines may also be considered when needed.
Topical anti-itch products may provide temporary relief, and a dermatologist may prescribe additional treatments depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. For chronic hives that do not respond adequately to standard therapy, additional medications or referral to an allergist may be appropriate.
Northstar Dermatology also provides a full range of medical dermatology services for other inflammatory and allergic skin conditions. If hives occur with swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, faintness, or a racing heartbeat, seek emergency care immediately.
