Hives & Angioedema
Acute and chronic hives associated with skin itching can be quite bothersome but also, at times, result in debilitating and chronic condition.
📋Hives and Angioedema Diagnosis and Treatments
Acute and chronic hives associated with skin itching can be quite bothersome but also, at times, result in debilitating and chronic condition. In Premier Allergy and Asthma Centers in Germantown, MD and Manassas, VA we have doctors with unique expertise needed to properly evaluate your hives and angioedema symptoms and offer correct management and treatment.
Symptoms
Hives are probably the most common allergic skin condition and is characterized by a skin rash notable for pale red, raised and intensely itchy bumps. Acute hives are frequently caused by allergic reactions; however, there are many non-allergic causes.
Number of cases of hives lasting few days (acute urticaria) are the result of exposure to an allergen (e.g. food, medication). Acute viral infections are another common cause of acute urticaria (viral exanthem). Less common causes of hives include friction, pressure, temperature extremes, exercise, water exposure and sunlight.
Key Points:
- •Pale red, raised and intensely itchy bumps
- •Linear hives from stroking skin (dermographism)
- •Chronic urticaria lasting longer than six weeks
Diagnosis
Hives caused by stroking the skin (often linear in appearance) are due to a benign condition called dermographism and may have a form of quickly appearing red "blotches" on torso, face or upper arms. While acute hives can be frequently prevented by careful diagnosis and identification of triggering allergen, chronic urticaria can be debilitating disease.
Chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than six weeks) is not due to an allergy. The majority of patients with chronic hives have idiopathic form (an unknown cause), also called chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). However, as many as 30-40% of those patients may, in fact, have an autoimmune disorder causing their hives.
Key Points:
- •Detailed medical history and symptom timeline
- •Physical examination of skin lesions and swelling
- •Allergy testing for common triggers
Treatment
Dr. Bocek has a special interest in diagnosis and management of chronic urticarial conditions and developed several expert treatment protocols for these disorders. Our treatments include the recent advancement and the most efficacious biologic therapy of Xolair (Omalizumab) or Dupixent (Dupilumab) injections which can resolve chronic hives and itching within days.
The new oral medication for CSU - remibrutinib will be approved and available soon.
Key Points:
- •Xolair (Omalizumab) biologic therapy
- •Dupixent (Dupilumab) injections
- •Expert treatment protocols
Prevention
Prevention strategies focus on identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining appropriate medications, and having an emergency plan for severe reactions.
Prevention strategies are most effective when implemented consistently and tailored to your specific triggers and medical history.
Key Points:
- •Identify and avoid known triggers
- •Carry emergency medications
- •Maintain regular follow-up with allergist
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Relief?
Don't let hives & angioedema control your life. Our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment plan.