What specialists treat hives?

Although not all, some physicians or doctors may feel comfortable caring for patients with severe hives. However, dermatologists can easily take care of patients with hives and some other skin infections.

We can take care of your skin condition. Visit our dermatologic clinic to schedule an appointment with our dermatologistHarley Street London, or you can call us on 020 71833648.

How are hives diagnosed?

When a patient has hives, a doctor or dermatologist can easily make a diagnosis by taking a close look at the skin. Your doctor may want to look for the causes of hives in the affected area. This may appear tasking, especially for hives that have been on the skin for more than 6 weeks

The doctor will make use of some information like your health history and physical examination to detect the causes of hives on the skin. The dermatologist may also carry out the following tests:

• Skin biopsy, using a small piece of the affected skin, so that it can be easily examined under a microscope.
• allergy tests on the skin
• blood work

Treatments for hives

For mild cases, the most commonly used treatment is a non-sedating antihistamine. This medication is used to relieve symptoms like itching. They can also be used to treat chronic hives that lasts longer than 6 weeks. For chronic hives, the medicine should be taken every day to prevent hives from reappearing in different locations. Although antihistamines are quite effective in treating hives, some types of antihistamine have mild side effects like drowsiness.

Medications for treating hives may include:

• dapsone: an antibiotic that can help relieve redness and swelling of the skin
• Corticosteroids: they are usually prescribed for short-term use because of the side effects that are commonly associated with long-term use. An example of corticosteroids is prednisone.
• Omalizumab: they help patients with chronic hives like idiopathic urticaria, whichmay last for months or even years.
• Other medications that help in fighting inflammations on the skin can also be used for treatment.
• antihistamines

Since virtually all medicines have possible side effects, ensure you ask a dermatologist on possible side effects from medicines prescribed.

Outcomes

In most cases, hives are not serious. A child tends to outgrow most of the allergies that cause hives with time. More so, some patients with chronic hives may see the hives go away within a year. However, if hives remain severe with no improvement or changes, ensure you seek timely medical attention. We will be more than willing to help at the Harley street dermatologist clinic London, reach out to us on 020 71833648.

Tips for managing hives

For mild hives, you may not necessarily require serious treatment as some home therapies can help relieve itches caused by hives on the skin. This may include:

• taking cool showers, and
• Placing cool clothes on the affected area.

Severe conditions, like shortness of breath, should be taken seriously. Ensure you get timely advice and treatment from your doctor. Medicines like auto-injector can be given to relieve these symptoms as well. This medicine will help to drastically reduce the effect of these allergies on your system when they are injected into your thighs.

Reach out to us at Clearskin London

Call us on 020 71833648 to speak with one of our skin consultants and dermatologists.