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Request An AppointmentPersonalized Treatment Plans for Hives by Dr. Debra Jaliman
If you’re experiencing hives, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Debra Jaliman. During your visit, she will review your medical history, assess potential triggers, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Blood work or additional testing may be recommended to uncover underlying causes.
As a specialist she can help identify whether your hives are related to allergies, infections, immune system issues, or other medical conditions. She will answer your questions, monitor your progress, adjust medications as needed, and guide you with the most up-to-date treatment options based on the latest research. This comprehensive approach ensures your skin—and overall health—are carefully managed.
General Understanding
What are hives?
Hives also known as urticaria are red, itchy welts on the skin that appear suddenly and may move around or change shape. Dermatologists or allergists are the best doctors to treat hives, as they can gather your medical history, assess your medications, diagnose the specific types of hives, identify triggers, and conduct skin tests to determine allergies.
What causes hives to appear?
They can be triggered by allergies, infections, stress, temperature changes, or unknown causes.
Are hives contagious?
No, hives are not contagious.
Symptoms & Triggers
What do hives look like?
They look like raised, red or skin-colored bumps that may itch, sting, or burn.
Why do my hives keep coming and going?
Hives can last hours or days and often come and go due to triggers or chronic conditions.
What triggers hives—foods, stress, medications?
Yes, all of these can trigger hives, as can infections, heat, cold, and pressure on the skin.
Can hives be a sign of something serious?
Sometimes. If accompanied by swelling of the lips, tongue, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care.
Diagnosis & Types
How are hives diagnosed?
A doctor usually diagnoses them based on appearance and your history; tests may be needed if they’re chronic.
What is the difference between acute and chronic hives?
Acute hives last less than 6 weeks; chronic hives last more than 6 weeks and may have no clear cause.
Can hives be caused by an allergy?
Yes, hives are often caused by an allergic reaction in your system. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, or insect stings—especially if you’re allergic. Hives can also result from contact with chemicals, heat, sunlight, tight clothing (due to pressure or elastic), or even from excessive sweating. While hives are frequently mistaken for other rashes, they are not caused by poison ivy, which is a different type of itchy rash. Asthma is also not directly associated with hives.
Treatment
What can give immediate relief for hives?
To relieve hives quickly, take a non-drowsy antihistamine like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or fexofenadine (Allegra). Applying a cool compress and wearing loose, breathable clothing can also help reduce itching and swelling. In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend a stronger prescription antihistamine or a short course of oral steroids.
How are hives treated?
Antihistamines are the most common treatment. Severe cases may require steroids or other medications.
What over-the-counter medications can I use?
Non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine are helpful.
What are the Over-the-Counter Antihistamines for Hives?
Over-the-counter antihistamines are often the first line of defense for relieving the discomfort of hives. They work by blocking histamine, a chemical in the body that triggers itching, redness, and swelling. These medications can help reduce the appearance of hives and relieve itching, especially in mild cases.
Common options include Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Loratadine (Claritin), and Fexofenadine (Allegra)—all of which are non-drowsy and widely used. While these medications are generally effective, individual responses may vary. What works well for one person may be less effective for another, so it may take some trial and error to find the best one for you.
When should I see a doctor for hives?
If they last more than a few days, recur often, or come with swelling or breathing issues.
When are corticosteroids used to treat hives?
Corticosteroids may be prescribed when hives are severe, persistent, or not responding to antihistamines. These powerful anti-inflammatory medications, such as prednisone, work quickly—often providing relief within a few hours—by calming the overactive immune response that causes hives. They help reduce itching, swelling, and redness by suppressing the body’s exaggerated reaction to harmless triggers like food or environmental allergens.
While corticosteroids are highly effective for short-term relief, they are generally not used long-term due to the risk of side effects. Your doctor will carefully determine if and when these medications are appropriate.
What are the side effects of steroids?
Corticosteroids can be very effective for short-term relief, but they may come with some side effects. Common side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping.
Can hives go away on their own?
Yes, many hives resolve within 24 hours without treatment.
What should I do if my throat swells with hives?
Seek emergency medical help immediately—this could be a serious allergic reaction.
Home Remedies & Tips
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel can help soothe hives by reducing inflammation, itching, and discomfort. Applying a thin layer to the affected area often provides a cooling, calming sensation. For best results, choose a fragrance-free aloe vera gel or use fresh gel directly from the plant to avoid irritation.
Oatmeal Baths
An oatmeal bath can be very soothing for hives. Colloidal oatmeal helps calm itching and irritation by forming a protective barrier on the skin. Adding it to a warm bath and soaking for 15 to 20 minutes can significantly ease discomfort. It also promotes relaxation, which may help reduce the stress and anxiety that often accompany hives.
Cool Showers
A 10-minute cool shower can help reduce the itching and stinging sensation caused by hives. Use a fragrance-free, ultra-hydrating gentle cleanser to avoid further irritation and protect the skin barrier.
Cool washcloth or ice pack
Applying a cool washcloth or ice pack to the affected area can help soothe hives. The cold temperature and gentle pressure can reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and temporarily calm the skin’s reaction.
Cool tea compresses
Chamomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties, making it a soothing remedy for hives. Compounds like bisabolol and matricin found in chamomile flowers can help calm the skin. Applying chilled chamomile tea to the affected area with a cold compress may reduce swelling and relieve itching. While not a cure, it can be a helpful complementary approach for some people.
Choose natural fabrics
Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or silk can help reduce irritation from hives. Avoid materials such as wool or mohair, which can worsen itching and further irritate sensitive skin.
Avoid Scratching
Keep your nails trimmed and do your best to resist the urge to scratch. If needed, wear soft cotton gloves to help protect your skin—especially at night. Scratching can worsen hives, lead to broken skin, and increase the risk of infection or scarring.
Lifestyle & Management
Can stress cause or worsen hives?
Yes, stress is a common trigger that can worsen hives.
How can I prevent hives from coming back?
Identify and avoid your triggers, take antihistamines as directed, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What should I avoid if I get hives often?
Avoid known triggers like certain foods, medications, and extreme temperatures.
Are there natural remedies for hives?
Cool compresses, oatmeal baths, and calming lotions may help relieve itching.
Can hives be related to autoimmune issues?
Yes, chronic hives are sometimes linked to autoimmune conditions.
Causes of hives:
- Pet dander (from animals)
- Pollen
- Medication including antibiotics and vitamins/supplements
- Insect stings
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Latex
- Stress
- Extreme Cold or Sun
- Diseases (cancer such as leukemia)
- Infections (mononucleosis)
- Exercise
- Exposure to water
What food triggers hives?
- Nuts
- Berries
- Shellfish (Example: lobster, shrimp, crayfish and crab)
- Aspirin and other painkillers (Example: Codeine, Demerol, Advil, Nuprin, Anaprox, and Motrin)
- Alcohol (Example: wine and beer)
- Food Preservatives and Additives (Example: Salicylates, Benzotes, Yeast, and Azo Dyes)
- Eggs
- Chocolate
- Garlic
- Menthol (Example: cigarettes, mouthwash, and cough drops)
- Artificial Sweeteners (Example: saccharin and aspartame)
- Oranges
- Milk
- Carrots
- Apples
- Grapes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is angioedema?
Angioedema can occur with hives or independently, resulting in swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. In severe cases, when the tongue swells and breathing becomes challenging, it can pose a life-threatening situation. Seeking immediate medical attention at the emergency room is advised, where a doctor can administer an epinephrine injection and provide further patient care. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, requires immediate treatment from a trained medical professional. It is recommended to carry an EpiPen if you have angioedema.
What is exercise in exercise induced urticaria?
Rarely, some people get hives after exercise. They also get itching and flushing.
What is cholinergic urticaria?
Some individuals develop hives because of stress, exercise, other strenuous activities spicy food, or hot temperatures. This is an unusual skin condition.
What is cold urticaria?
Some individuals develop hives or wheals when the temperature drops within a few minutes after cold exposure. They get the rash as well as fever, chills and conjunctivitis. It can be diagnosed by placing an ice cube on the skin if a hive forms in that spot when the ice cube is removed and this is cold urticaria.
What are the categories of hives?
If hives last six weeks or fewer, they are called acute urticaria. If they last six weeks or more, they are called chronic urticaria.
What are other treatments?
They can also be treated with prescription topical or oral corticosteroids like prednisone, oral medication, or oral antihistamines. Of course, if a drug is the culprit, it needs to be stopped immediately. Sometimes it is necessary to do a complete medical workup to determine whether you have a viral or fungal infection or even if you have a more serious medical condition like lupus, hepatitis B or even a leukemia or lymphoma.
If you’re struggling with hives, don’t wait to get relief. Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, has extensive experience diagnosing and successfully treating all types of hives. With her personalized approach and up-to-date treatment options, she can help you uncover the cause of your hives and create a plan that brings lasting results. call our office today at .
