What is urticaria (hives)?
What are the causes of urticaria?
Sometimes, no cause can be found.
How can urticaria be treated?While it may not be always possible to find the cause of urticaria, keeping track of your flare-ups may help you identify and avoid possible triggers.
Antihistamines are given for relief as the cause of your hives are being investigated. Non-sedating antihistamines are available to avoid side effects like drowsiness. Different antihistamines work differently for different people so your doctor may need you to try more than one antihistamine to find what works best for you. Antihistamines work best if taken on a regular basis to prevent hives from forming.
For severe cases, oral steroids may also bring relief, but they are only given for a short period of time and not long-term due to their side effects such as an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure levels.
Skin tests are not routinely performed in the evaluation of urticaria.
When do you seek medical advice?Seek medical advice at the Emergency Department immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms while having an episode of hives:
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