HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Urticaria?

default
Posted on Tue, 29 Nov 2016
Question: How can I tell if I just have hives or another sort of allergy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
hives are caused by allergies usually

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

Hives/urticaria are wheals/welts that are seen on the skin, these are raised swollen areas in the skin. Red, itchy.
They are caused by allergies most commonly.

There are images of hives online if you wish to compare your lesions.

Allergies can also cause different types of rashes such as fine small 'bumps' on the skin. These are not hives

There are some persons who have hives for 6 weeks or more.This is called chronic urticaria.
In this case, there may be other causes such as autoimmune disease, reaction to cold, contact with water, exercise, heat, pressure. There are different types of urticaria.

I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 minutes later)
Do you feel I should follow up with a doctor as I've had this a week now and don't know what to do. Do family practice doctors conduct allergy test on skin or do I need to go to a specialist to further find the cause.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
should be seen

Detailed Answer:
HI

Allergy tests can be blood tests or skin prick testing.

Allergists or dermatologists would do the skin prick testing.

In many places, the GP can organize for the blood tests.

Since the lesions have been present for a week, it may be best to see your doctor for assessment

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Urticaria?

Brief Answer: hives are caused by allergies usually Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic Hives/urticaria are wheals/welts that are seen on the skin, these are raised swollen areas in the skin. Red, itchy. They are caused by allergies most commonly. There are images of hives online if you wish to compare your lesions. Allergies can also cause different types of rashes such as fine small 'bumps' on the skin. These are not hives There are some persons who have hives for 6 weeks or more.This is called chronic urticaria. In this case, there may be other causes such as autoimmune disease, reaction to cold, contact with water, exercise, heat, pressure. There are different types of urticaria. I hope this helps , feel free to ask any other questions