I Break Out in Hives Often: Should I Have an Allergy Test?

Allergies can manifest in countless ways: a runny nose, watery eyes, digestive upset, and for some, a sudden outbreak of hives. Around 20% of us experience this common skin reaction at least once in our lives. 

If you seem to break out in hives often, it may be due to an unidentified allergen in your environment, diet, or personal care products. However, it could also be a sign of something else going on in your body.

Find answers and relief at Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida. Our team, led by Alejandro Blanco, MD, and Ralph Rodriguez, MD, provides in-office skin prick allergy testing to pinpoint your specific triggers.

What does it mean when that itchy, bumpy rash persists, or keeps coming back? Continue reading to learn why hives happen and how you can take control.

What are hives and why do they appear?

Hives (also known as urticaria) are itchy, raised bumps or welts that can pop up anywhere on your body, even inside your mouth, nose, or eyelids. They may appear as individual lesions or merge together to form larger inflamed areas, called plaques.

The most common reason for hives is an allergic reaction. When your body encounters something it mistakes as harmful — an allergen — your immune system releases histamine. This natural chemical causes the characteristic itching and swelling associated with hives.

Common allergens include:

• Certain foods, like shellfish or nuts
• Pet dander
• Pollen, dust mites, and mold
• Insect bites and stings
• Latex

Allergies aren’t the only thing that can trigger a histamine response, however. Stress, infection, and physical factors, like extreme temperatures, sunlight, or pressure on the skin, can also induce hives in some individuals.

When to seek professional evaluation

A single episode of hives is typically only a minor inconvenience. The cause is easy to identify — maybe you were petting the neighbor’s cat or weeding the garden — and that itchy rash quickly disappears once you’re no longer in contact with the allergen. 

But sometimes, hives are more than that. See our allergy experts if you’re experiencing reactions that:

• Show up every few days, weeks, or months
• Persist for days or weeks
• Aren’t responding to over-the-counter antihistamines
• Are extremely painful, swollen, or itchy
• Cover a large area of your body

We can help determine the underlying cause of persistent, chronic, or severe hives. This may involve identifying allergens through a skin prick test, ruling out underlying conditions, or exploring other triggers.

If your hives are ever accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath or swelling in/around your eyes, mouth, or throat, seek emergency medical attention. These symptoms indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires prompt intervention.

Finding relief from persistent hives

Once we identify the root cause of your persistent or chronic hives, we work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• Topical or oral corticosteroids
• Prescription-strength antihistamines
• Mast cell stabilizers
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

You can also take action at home to minimize the likelihood of uncomfortable skin reactions. The most important thing you can do is avoid your triggers, which may mean changing your diet, switching to hypoallergenic products, or making adjustments to your environment.

Sun protection is important, as sun exposure can worsen or even trigger hives. Opt for loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritating your skin, and resist the urge to scratch. Instead, try a cold compress, calamine lotion, or an oatmeal bath to soothe the itch.

We offer same-day urgent care appointments for immediate hives concerns. Schedule your visit to Internal Medicine Partners online or by phone today.