Hives

When you have allergies, you might be prone to frequent hive outbreaks that irritate your skin and increase your risk of infection. At Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates, the experienced allergy specialists offer on-site testing to identify the triggers that cause your persistent or chronic hives. The medical team customizes treatment plans to relieve the painful itching of hives and protect your long-term skin health. Schedule a consultation by calling one of their six locations in Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Denver, Littleton, or Arvada, Colorado, or book an appointment online today.

What are hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, is a skin condition that causes red, itchy bumps or welts that form on the surface of your skin. These bumps often develop when you’re under stress or because of contact with an allergen, such as:

• Foods
• Pollen
• Insect bites
• Pet dander
  

Hives can develop suddenly and unexpectedly, causing itchiness that ranges from mild to severe. For those with persistently itchy hives, scratching can lead to infections and permanent skin damage.

How are hives diagnosed?

To determine the root cause of your hives, your Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates specialist first reviews your medical history, lifestyle, and diet. They also discuss the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

If you have hives at the time of your visit, your provider examines them to ensure they aren’t related to another underlying medical condition.

The Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates team offers on-site allergy testing to identify the source of your hives. This testing is done through skin prick tests and blood work. 

In skin testing, your physician exposes your body to small amounts of suspected allergens to evaluate your reaction. They also test your blood for the presence of antibodies your immune system produces in its defense when you come into contact with an allergen.

How are hives treated?

The goal of treating hives is to prevent the frequency and severity of a hives outbreak. Once your Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates provider identifies your allergy triggers, they work with you on a treatment plan that includes strategies that have the least impact on your daily activities and overall lifestyle.

Treatments for allergy-related hives may involve over-the-counter or prescription medications to block the chemical your body produces in response to an allergy. You may also benefit from immunotherapy, or allergy shots, that help reduce your immune system’s overreaction to an allergen.

For environmental and food allergies, your Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates provider can also recommend changes to your lifestyle and diet that help you avoid allergy triggers.

If you’re bothered by chronic hives, schedule in-office allergy testing at Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates today by calling the office or reaching out online.