Urticaria occurs when mast cells in the skin release histamine and other chemicals, causing blood plasma to leak into the skin. Hives can be acute (lasting fewer than six weeks) or chronic (persisting longer than six weeks). Triggers include allergic reactions to foods or medications, infections, physical stimuli such as pressure or cold, and, in many chronic cases, an autoimmune mechanism.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Red, raised welts (wheals) of varying sizes
- Intense itching or burning sensation
- Welts that change shape, move around, or disappear and reappear
- Angioedema (deeper swelling) affecting the lips, eyelids, or throat
- Symptoms that worsen at night
How We Diagnose
Identifying the underlying cause of hives — especially chronic urticaria — requires a thorough evaluation. Our allergists will take a detailed history of your outbreaks, review potential trigger exposures, and order targeted allergy testing or laboratory work as needed. For chronic urticaria, we assess for autoimmune factors that may be driving your condition.
Treatment Options
Our comprehensive treatment approach may include non-sedating antihistamines at therapeutic doses, second-line medications such as H2 blockers or leukotriene modifiers, and biologic therapy (omalizumab/Xolair, dupilumab/Dupixent, remibrutinib/Rhapsido) for chronic spontaneous urticaria that does not respond to antihistamines. When a specific trigger is identified, allergen avoidance strategies are incorporated into your plan.
Ready to Schedule?
Stop living with the discomfort and uncertainty of hives. Schedule a consultation with the specialists at South Bay Allergy and Asthma Group today. Call us at (408) 286-1707 or request an appointment online.