5 Ways to Treat Your Chronic Hives

The itchy welts known as hives are bad enough when they last for hours or days. However, when hives become chronic, persisting for over six weeks and recurring, life can feel downright miserable.

Fortunately, you can minimize your chronic hives symptoms, especially with the guidance of a qualified expert.

At her office in Valencia, California, Dr. Maricar Cutillar-Garcia diagnoses and treats hives to bring you lasting relief.

Here’s a closer look at chronic hives, including five effective treatment options.

Chronic hives symptoms

Like all hives, chronic hives cause welts called wheals that may appear red, purple, or skin-colored. The welts, which vary in shape and size, may appear anywhere on your body. Chronic hives can also fuel painful facial swelling.

Your six-week-plus flare-ups may return repeatedly over the months or years. Welts often fade within 24 hours, only to reappear.

Discomfort from chronic hives can interfere with your mood and ability to sleep, making way for exhaustion and fatigue.

Chronic hives treatments

Seeking expert care should be your first action for alleviating chronic hives.

After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Cutillar-Garcia will recommend a personalized treatment plan. Depending on factors like your overall health and symptom specifics, your plan may include:

Allergy shots
Over-the-counter antihistamines
Prescription medication
Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®)
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding your hives triggers

Our team can help you pinpoint your triggers, which commonly include certain foods, sun exposure, hot or cold temperatures, and stress. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and daily activities, from foods you eat to activities you engage in, may help this process.

If needed, you’ll receive an allergy test, such as a scratch test or patch skin test. Common food allergies behind hives include eggs, peanuts, other nuts, and shellfish.

Even without an allergy, you may need to avoid alcohol, certain food additives, or particular medications that may cause hives.

Chronic hives prognosis

Without treatment, severe hives can lead to dangerous outcomes, such as breathing problems and anaphylaxis. Appropriate chronic hives treatment can reduce your symptoms, both in frequency and severity, while protecting you from complications.

Chronic hives diminish fully on their own within one year for roughly half of people. Regardless, if you have chronic hives, you need treatment.

To learn more about chronic hives treatment or get started with customized support, call our office or book an appointment with Dr. Cutillar-Garcia through our website today.

Our team is ready to help. If you have any questions about chronic hives or the treatments we provide, don’t hesitate to call our office.