Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a fleeting rash characterized by red, itchy swelling in the skin that comes and goes within a day’s time. It can be triggered by infections, medications, or allergic reactions. People with diseases like asthma, thyroid disease, or autoimmune diseases are more prone to have hives. However, in some cases, the cause is never found. We start by treating hives with antihistamines. Recalcitrant cases require medications that dampen the immune system and a newly FDA-approved biologic medication is also available.  Dr. Julie Zang authored the book chapter on urticaria in the latest edition of the textbook Dermatological Signs of Systemic Diseases.