Hives

A skin rash that presents with red, raised, mosquito bite like bumps that is very itchy.

ASAP Illinois Hives

It is thought that 20% of the population will have hives at some point in their lives. Having hives can greatly impact a patient's quality of life.

What are hives?

Urticaria is also called hives. Hives can change size and shape, and appear anywhere on your skin. They can be mild or severe and last a few minutes to hours. Each lesion will last less than 24 hours, but a bout of hives can last many days to even years. Sometimes hives will be accompanied with swelling of the face or hands. Hives can be caused by allergic exposures from medications, foods, or environmental exposures. Hives can also occur due to other medical conditions. Sometimes hives, that are lasting more than 6 weeks, may not have a defined reason and is thought to be idiopathic.

How do I know I have Hives?

Hives presents with the following symptoms

Red, raised rash

Very itchy

Comes and goes and often feels like it moving around the body

Each rash lasts less than 24 hours and disappears without changing the color of the skin

May be worse with heat or cold

May be worse with pressure

May be accompanied with swelling of the face, hands, or genitals

Why I should see an allergist for hives?

If you have a case of hives that lasts for more than a few days, it’s time to call the allergist.

An allergist can help determine if there is a cause for the hives and create a plan to treat the hives and prevent them in the future.

Common ways to treat hives

Chronic hives, lasting more than 6 weeks, may need to be treated to stop the immune process. The following are common medicines used to treat urticaria:

Antihistamines

Steroids

Xolair

See an Allergist to start feeling better today

Dr. Rachna Shah and Dr. Karina Gobin are experts in the treatment of allergic disease in both children and adults. They are serving the Oak Park, River Forest, Melrose Park, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, Elmhurst, and Addison areas. Both practice cutting-edge, evidenced based medicine.

We've helped over 2,000+ families live better lives

Home of the chicago pollen count

Karen Cantaloupo and Dr. Shah work together to provide the Chicagoland area with a certified, official count that helps allergy sufferers understand their symptoms.

Pollen Count

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Grass

Ragweed

Total Weed

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