If you have welts on your skin that itch, you may have hives. Some hives resolve with time, but hives treatment may minimize the symptoms that are often severe. Dermatologists of Birmingham offers hives treatment for children, teenagers and adults who live in Birmingham, Alabaster and surrounding areas in Alabama.
What are Hives?
Also known as urticaria, hives are areas of redness and swelling known as welts in the skin. These welts may cluster and resolve as new welts form. The cycle may last several weeks or longer.
Hive outbreaks are classified as acute or chronic. Acute hives may occur due to:
- Medication side effects
- Allergic reactions
- Certain foods
- Infections
- Sometimes unrelated to any cause
Acute hives can last up to six weeks. If the hives last longer than six weeks, the condition is classified as chronic hives.
Benefits of Hives Treatment
Hives treatment helps reduce your symptoms and may help to keep the hives from developing altogether. Chronic hives treatment helps preserve quality of life for those who have hives for several months or years.
How Do I Know If I Need Hives Treatment?
You may need hives treatment if you have:
- Welts that are inflamed and swollen
- Itching
You may develop a single welt, clusters or large areas of inflamed skin. You may notice that when one of the welts disappears, another develops elsewhere.
Acute and chronic hives can respond to over the counter antihistamines, but more difficult cases often need more directed treatment with biologics or other immunosuppressives.
What to Expect from Hives Treatment
Hives may develop after you experience a trigger, such as side effects of medications or having an allergic reaction. Treatment will focus on identifying and managing the underlying cause as well as controlling or preventing the welts altogether. Medications may include:
- Antihistamines (prescription and over the counter)
- Injections of omalizumab
- Prednisone or other corticosteroids on a short-term basis
- Immunosuppressive medications
How Much Does Hives Treatment Cost in Birmingham?
Hives treatment is covered as specialty care under your medical insurance. After the consultation, we will review your policy and advise you about any out-of-pocket expenses. Dermatologists of Birmingham offer several convenient payment options, including cash, checks and major credit cards. We also offer financing options for our patients.
Hives are uncomfortable areas of inflammation on the skin. Dermatologists of Birmingham offers hives treatment for acute and chronic cases. To learn about your acute and chronic hives treatment options, contact us to schedule your personal consultation.
*Individual results may vary. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a qualified physician.