Hives Treatment in Bayside, NY
Hives, also known as Urticaria or nettle rash, affect approximately 20% of the population at some point in their lives. This red, itchy skin rash typically occurs due to an allergic reaction. When an allergen enters the body, it triggers an allergic response that releases histamine, a protein that causes capillaries to leak fluid. This fluid accumulates in the skin, resulting in a rash.
- Symptoms: Red, itchy rash that can change size rapidly.
- Duration: The rash generally lasts between 6 to 12 hours.
- Causes: Triggered by a variety of allergens, leading to mild to severe itching.
Hives can vary greatly in intensity, ranging from mild irritation to severe itching, depending on the trigger and the individual’s sensitivity.
The rash appears for no longer than 6 to 12 hours while changing its size rapidly. This medical condition can be triggered by a variety of substances giving rise to mild to severe itching. While most of the cases go unnoticed, hives are treated for patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn and throughout the New York City area.
Hive results from an allergic reaction and is generally caused by the release of protein histamine. This is a very common disease which can be treated on its own. The release of histamine causes the blood vessel to dilate thus releasing fluid in the surrounding tissues. The leaked fluid irritates nerve ending thus resulting in dizziness, severe reaction or itching.
Hive can be triggered by:
- Insect bite
- Certain type of food
- Extreme temperature conditions
- Contact with irritants
- Sunlight
- Medicines which are used to treat hypertension or pain
- Blood transfusion
- Viral and bacterial infection
These are imprecise causes of hives as the main cause of this medical condition has yet not been found.
Swelling, redness and itching are the most prominent sign of hives. Usually, a patient may experience red or pink round rashes on the skin which vary from few millimeters to several inches. The swelling usually occurs in batches and is more prominent on the face, fingers, toes, hands, arms, legs and feet.
During the first few hours, a patient may not experience any sign or symptoms. However, if the condition persists, the signs may become more prominent and thus require doctor intervention. Here, it must be remembered that hives are not life threatening.
Urticaria falls into two categories:
- Acute hive
The most common type amongst the two, acute hive symptoms lasts less than 6 weeks. Approximately 25% of patients suffering from acute hive also experience angioedema which is a disease that causes swelling in the skin’s deep layers.
- Chronic hive
The long term hive or the chronic hive occurs in about 1 in every 1000 people. If the hive symptoms continue for more than 6 weeks, dermatologists call it as a chronic hive. While the real cause of chronic hive has yet not been determined, people often agree that it is associated with the immune system.
Hive and angioedema are often confused or associated with each other. While the symptoms of angioedema include swelling of tissue beneath the skin surface, hives result because of an allergic reaction. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it may sign toward angioedema.
- Swelling of throats, hands or feet
- Breathing difficulty
- Swelling in eyes
- Stomach cramps
A dermatologist can easily help a patient to diagnosis hive. While in some cases the cause of allergy is obvious, in others it may take some time. The physician may need to do some detective work to find out the possible cause.
If you are experiencing a food allergy, it is essential to keep a track of food items you are eating. Keeping a track will help you discover whether or not there is a link between the food you are eating and allergic reactions. If you believe that the allergic reaction is caused because of a medicine, you should list all the medicines you’ve been taking,
The main motive behind hive treatment is to relieve the patient of the symptoms. With the symptoms generally varying from mild to severe, it can cause great discomfort. Moreover, if you are not experiencing a major problem, the doctor may not prescribe you a medicine.
However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, the doctor will advise you to take antihistamines. These medicines block the effect of histamine, thus reducing symptoms. The antihistamine does not make the patient drowsy and very less number of patients will discover any side effect.
Pregnant women must remember not to take antihistamine without consulting their doctor. A patient suffering from chronic hive undergoes treatment which aims at avoiding triggers. Patients suffering from chronic hives should consult a dermatologist, immunologist or an allergist.
Severely affected patients should try out different relaxation techniques to reduce stress level. Reducing stress may help avoid triggers. Moreover, certain foods can also worsen a patient symptom; therefore, it is important to know which food caused a trigger. Try to avoid eating a tomato, chocolates, spinach, strawberries, fish, processed meat and yogurt if you are allergic to them.
Patients suffering from hives can take several steps to manage their symptoms and stay comfortable:
- Stay Cool:
Avoid hot baths and heavy exercise, especially close to bedtime, as heat can aggravate hives. Keeping cool can help alleviate discomfort.
- Choose Appropriate Clothing:
Wear loose-fitting clothes made from soft, non-irritating fabrics, avoiding harsh materials like wool that can worsen the condition.
- Be Gentle with Your Skin:
Refrain from rubbing the skin vigorously with a towel; instead, gently pat the skin dry and keep it moisturized to reduce friction.
- Apply Cold Compresses:
Applying an ice pack can help soothe the itching associated with hives and provide temporary relief.
- Use Anti-Itch Lotions:
Anti-itch lotions can be applied to reduce itching, but avoid using any medications without consulting a doctor, as unsupervised medication can worsen the condition.
Always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medications or trying new treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your situation.
So if you have been diagnosed with the hive, the best way to treat it is to avoid or eliminate the trigger.
- Wear protective clothing
- Avoid food that enhances the symptoms
- Avoid harsh soap
- Avoid eating food that trigger infection
- Notify your doctor if you are experiencing any specific reaction
At Skin First Dermatology, we know how disruptive and uncomfortable hives can be, which is why we provide personalized treatments to address your specific needs. Our Hives Treatment in Bayside, NY, focuses on alleviating itching, reducing redness, and managing flare-ups to help you find relief fast. With advanced techniques and a tailored approach, we work to control your symptoms and prevent future outbreaks, so you can feel comfortable in your skin again. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or anywhere in the New York City area, our experienced team is here to offer the support and care you need. Ready to take control of your hives? Schedule a consultation with us today—you deserve effective, compassionate treatment. Book your appointment now!
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