Hives


What are Hives?
Hives, medically known as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin. These welts vary in size and shape, often change location, and usually fade within a few hours.
While hives are typically harmless, the itching and burning that accompany them can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life.
What Causes Hives?
Hives have many causes, including:
- Allergic reactions to medications, foods, or insect bites
- Infections, such as colds or viral illnesses
- Stress: emotional or physical stress may trigger outbreaks
- Underlying medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders or thyroid issues
Why Diagnosis Matters:
Identifying the specific trigger is key to managing hives effectively. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to control symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Treating Hives
At Oak Dermatology, we offer comprehensive care for hives, with treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our dermatologists will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the trigger of your hives and develop a personalized plan to manage and alleviate your symptoms.
Treatment Options May Include:
- Antihistamines: These medications are often the first line of defense, by reducing itching, swelling, and inflammation.
- Topical creams, such as corticosteroids are used to relieve itching.
- Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, may help desensitize the body to specific triggers of persistent hives.
- Lifestyle modifications include avoiding known triggers like certain foods, medications, or stressors to help prevent future outbreaks.
In addition to medical treatments, we provide expert guidance on skin care and self-management strategies to improve your daily comfort. Our goal is to help you effectively manage hives and reduce their impact on quality of life.

No, hives are not contagious.
The cause of hives can vary, including allergies, infections, medications, and underlying medical conditions.
Hives can last from a few hours to several weeks. In some cases, they may become chronic.
While not always preventable, identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of hives.