Rash and Hives

One in five people experience hives at least once, and 1-3% of the population endures chronic hives. Board-certified dermatologist Frank Samarin, MD, and the team address skin allergies, including rash and hives, at Mountaintop Dermatology in Colorado Springs, Colorado. They can investigate the cause of reactions and help you find relief from pain and itching. To learn more about the personalized care available, call the office to book an appointment or reach out online today.

What are rash and hives?

Bumpy, inflamed, reddened skin rashes result when you encounter an irritating substance. Hives are a rash that shows up as raised, reddish bumps (also called welts) that often itch intensely. They may also have a burning or stinging sensation.

So, while all hives are a type of rash, not all rashes are hives. What rashes and hives have in common is their source: a reaction to an allergen. Hives are a stronger allergic response.

Medically, hives are referred to as urticaria unless they occur deep in your skin (angioedema). This allergic reaction can go from maddening to deadly if your throat and airway swell. If you are having trouble swallowing or breathing, call 911 and seek emergency medical care.

How do I know if I have simple rashes or chronic hives?

Chronic and acute hives look similar, but chronic hives may behave differently. For example, chronic hives may:

• Come and go frequently for long periods, even years
• Change shapes and sizes
• Accompany stress, heat, or exercise

The good news is that while chronic hives are uncomfortable, they are not life-threatening.

How are rash and hives treated?

The Mountaintop Dermatology team performs a comprehensive skin evaluation before developing a treatment plan. They need to determine why your skin is reacting strongly, so you may need to do skin allergy tests, such as a patch test, to rule out various skin conditions.

They may also order a blood test to check for particular antibodies in your blood. The more information they have, the better the team can personalize your care. Your plan may include:

• Allergy medications like oral or topical antihistamines
• Allergy shots
• Oral steroids (corticosteroids)

In cases where your allergic reactions are severe, you may be at risk for anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that makes it hard to breathe. For severe reactions, an epinephrine injection (EpiPen®) can keep airways open, raise blood pressure, and reduce swelling and hives to save lives.

How can I prevent rash and hives?

Once the team determines your triggers, you can avoid them. It may help to:

• Eliminate certain foods from your diet
• Change soaps and detergents
• Reduce stress
• Wear looser clothing or specific skin-safe fabrics
• Avoid extreme temperature changes

Your safety and comfort are top priorities at Mountaintop Dermatology. The team is ready to investigate if you have frequent, concerning reactions. For prompt rash and hives care, call Mountaintop Dermatology or go online to schedule an appointment today.