SKIN
Hives: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments
April 23, 2020
Symptom Guides > Skin > Hives: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

by
Dr. Zina Semenovskaya
Dr. Semenovskaya specializes in emergency medicine, and received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. She is currently the medical director at Remote Emergency Medicine Consulting, LLC and splits her time working clinically as an emergency medicine attending in California and Alaska. She is the first of our doctors to be fluent in Russian.
At some point in their lifetime, around 20% of the population will experience hives, an uncomfortable, itchy rash characterized by raised welts that can range in size and shape. Hives can rapidly fade then reappear on almost any part of the body.
Most often, hives are acute in nature, which means that they appear suddenly and then go away after a short period of time. Acute hives are often caused by an allergic response, though they can also be triggered by emotional stress or physical stimuli such as high heat. Some people experience chronic hives, which last longer and are typically triggered by other causes, such as an autoimmune disease.
There are multiple treatment options for hives, including at-home treatments, over-the-counter, and prescription medications. To effectively treat your hives, it’s important to identify the underlying cause and avoid the triggers when possible. If you have hives, it’s a good idea to speak with your health care provider or a K doctor. Occasionally, hives may be associated with more severe symptoms and could be a sign of anaphylaxis, which requires immediate emergency care.
In this article, I’ll explain:
“Most commonly, hives occur as a result of an allergic reaction in the body.”
Want to feel better fast? Get personalized answers about your symptoms.
Want to learn more about your hives? Download K Health

by
Dr. Zina Semenovskaya
Dr. Semenovskaya specializes in emergency medicine, and received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. She is currently the medical director at Remote Emergency Medicine Consulting, LLC and splits her time working clinically as an emergency medicine attending in California and Alaska. She is the first of our doctors to be fluent in Russian.
Up Next
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
Related Articles
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments
When to Worry About Morning Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments