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Hives

Associated Skin Care Specialists Our Services Hives

Associated Skin Care Specialists

Board-Certified Dermatologists located in Eden Prairie, Fridley, Maple Grove, & Coon Rapids, MN

Hives are uncomfortable red welts that can pop up due to an allergic reaction, stress, or other triggers. One of the friendly and supportive dermatology experts at Associated Skin Care Specialists determines the trigger for your hives and helps you avoid them with customized treatment. Schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations around the Twin Cities in Blaine, Fridley, Maple Grove, Coon Rapids, Minneapolis, or Eden Prairie, Minnesota, by calling the office closest to you today.

Hives Q & A

What are hives?

Hives are a common skin issue. Up to 20% of Americans develop these itchy red welts at some point. When you push down on hives, you see blanching, which means the middle of the hive briefly turns white.

They can be puncture-sized, or so large that they cover virtually your whole chest or arm. Sometimes welts appear in groups and grow interconnected.

How long do hives last?

Generally, acute hives are fairly short-lived. They often fade within a day or less, but it’s not unusual for new hives to crop up in their place. This cycle can continue for days or weeks at a time. An acute hive attack typically ends within six weeks.

 

If your hives don’t fade after six weeks, your dermatologist categorizes them as chronic hives rather than acute hives.

Why do hives develop?

 

Hives usually have some kind of trigger. Some common triggers include:

 

  • Viral Illness (common cold, cough)
  • Medications
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Shellfish
  • Insect bites
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Latex
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Stress

 

Hives usually appear rapidly after the trigger, but it can take as long as a couple of hours for them to develop.

How are hives diagnosed?

Your Associated Skin Care Specialists dermatologist does a thorough skin exam to diagnose hives. If you are dealing with chronic hives, your dermatologist may also perform a blood test or skin biopsy to find out the trigger for your hives.

How are hives treated?

Treatment of hives focuses on two things: immediate symptom relief and dealing with the hives trigger. For symptom relief, your dermatologist may prescribe oral antihistamines or topical corticosteroids.

Monitoring your diet and activities closely can help you find your hives triggers. You can work together with your dermatologist to make changes in your diet or lifestyle based on what kind of triggers you discover.

Hives can be inconvenient, frustrating, and even downright painful. You can live your life hives-free with your Associated Skin Care Specialists dermatologist’s help. Book your appointment for hives relief now using the online tool or by calling the office closest to you.

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