Book online in about two minutes, or call and we'll find a time that fits your week.
Or call us at (646) 707-3500
Service
Patient-centered evaluation and treatment for hives (urticaria), including acute and chronic cases, to reduce itching and swelling, identify triggers, and prevent flare-ups.
This service is for people experiencing itchy, raised welts that appear suddenly, change shape, or move around, including recurring or chronic hives that interrupt sleep, work, school, and daily comfort. It also helps those whose hives may be linked to allergies, infections, medications, physical triggers, or have no obvious cause.
Diagnosis is based on how the rash looks and behaves over time and may involve a detailed symptom and health history, review of recent illnesses, foods, and medications, discussion of triggers, allergy testing, and select blood tests in some chronic cases. Treatment focuses on relief and prevention through options such as non-drowsy antihistamines, adjusted dosing for chronic hives, short corticosteroid courses for severe flares, biologic therapy, and trigger avoidance.
Hives, also called urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that can appear anywhere on the body. They can show up suddenly, change shape, and move around. At Allergy Asthma, we offer patient-centered evaluation and treatment options for hives, including recurring hives that interrupt sleep, work, school, and daily comfort.
If you are dealing with hives across New York or nearby areas like Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, Staten Island, and Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), getting clear answers can be a relief. Some hives are triggered by allergies, infections, or medications. Others happen without an obvious cause. The goal of care is to reduce itching and swelling, identify patterns when possible, and help prevent flare-ups using evidence-based options. (1–3)
Hives are raised, swollen areas of skin that usually itch and may appear red or skin-colored. Each individual hive often lasts less than 24 hours, but new ones can continue to appear. Hives happen when certain immune cells release histamine, which causes swelling and itching in the skin. Common features include:
Itchy or burning welts
Swelling that comes and goes
Spots that change size or location
Skin that turns pale when pressed
Some people also experience angioedema, which is deeper swelling under the skin, often affecting the lips, eyelids, hands, or feet. (1, 2)
Hives can have many triggers, and in some cases, no single cause is found. This is especially true for hives that last more than six weeks, known as chronic urticaria. Possible causes and contributors include:
Viral or bacterial infections
Foods or food additives
Medications such as antibiotics or pain relievers
Insect stings or bites
Physical triggers like heat, cold, pressure, or exercise
Stress or lack of sleep
Autoimmune-related inflammation
When hives last less than six weeks, they are called acute urticaria. When they occur most days for six weeks or longer, they are called chronic urticaria. (1–3)
Hives are usually diagnosed based on how the rash looks and behaves over time. Evaluation focuses on understanding patterns, timing, and possible triggers. This may include:
A detailed symptom and health history
Review of recent illnesses, foods, and medications
Discussion of physical or environmental triggers
Allergy testing when reactions suggest an allergic cause
Select blood tests in some chronic cases
There is not always a single test that explains chronic hives. Diagnosis often involves combining medical history with symptom response over time. (1, 2)
Hives treatment focuses on reducing itching and swelling and preventing flare-ups. Options may include:
Non-drowsy antihistamines to block histamine and reduce symptoms
Adjusted antihistamine dosing for chronic hives when appropriate
Short courses of oral corticosteroids for severe flares in select cases
Biologic therapy for chronic hives that do not respond to antihistamines
Trigger avoidance strategies when a clear trigger is identified
Supportive steps such as cool compresses, gentle skin care, and avoiding scratching can also help reduce discomfort. (1, 2, 4)
Most hives are not dangerous, but urgent care is needed if hives occur with:
Trouble breathing or wheezing
Swelling of the tongue or throat
Dizziness or fainting
Severe stomach pain or vomiting
A rapid reaction after eating a food, taking medication, or a sting
These symptoms may signal anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention. (5)
At Allergy Asthma, we specialize in evaluating and managing hives with personalized care that focuses on both symptom relief and identifying contributing factors. Whether you live in Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, Staten Island, or Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), we are committed to helping patients understand their condition and explore effective treatment options.
If hives are affecting your comfort, sleep, or quality of life, Allergy Asthma is here to help. Our approach is patient-focused, evidence-based, and designed to support long-term symptom control.
Zuberbier, T., Abdul Latiff, A. H., Abuzakouk, M., Aquilina, S., Asero, R., Baker, D., … Church, M. K. (2022). The international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria. Allergy, 77(3), 734–766.
Kaplan, A. P. (2017). Chronic spontaneous urticaria: Pathogenesis and treatment considerations. Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research, 9(6), 477–482.
Kolkhir, P., Borzova, E., Grattan, C., Asero, R., Pogorelov, D., & Maurer, M. (2017). Autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria: What we know and what we do not know. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 139(6), 1772–1781.
Maurer, M., Rosén, K., Hsieh, H. J., Saini, S., Grattan, C., Gimenéz-Arnau, A., … Kaplan, A. (2013). Omalizumab for the treatment of chronic idiopathic or spontaneous urticaria. The New England Journal of Medicine, 368(10), 924–935.
Simons, F. E. R., Ardusso, L. R. F., Bilò, M. B., El-Gamal, Y. M., Ledford, D. K., Ring, J., … World Allergy Organization. (2011). World Allergy Organization guidelines for the assessment and management of anaphylaxis. World Allergy Organization Journal, 4(2), 13–37.