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What is it?

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition that results in itchy, raised patches or welts that can occur anywhere on the body. These red, swollen skin blemishes usually manifest suddenly and can be triggered by various factors like food, medications, stress or even physical contact with certain objects. 

Hives can be categorized into two types: acute urticaria, which are short-lived, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, and chronic urticaria, which persist for a period of six weeks or more. Although hives are generally benign and temporary, chronic hives can affect an individual's overall well-being.

How is it treated?

Usually, hives disappear on their own within a couple of days. Tactics like a soothing bath or shower, a cold pack, an over-the-counter antihistamine, and donning loose clothing can help manage symptoms. However, it's beneficial to consult with a board-certified dermatologist if the hives persist beyond a few days, spread over a large portion of your body, or stem from an allergy. For immediate treatment options, schedule a consultation today with our board-certified dermatologists at our Beavercreek, Ohio dermatology clinic. They will collaborate with you to identify the cause of your hives and establish an effective treatment strategy. This could involve treatment with an antihistamine, an allergy injection, a topical anti-itch cream or a steroid.