Hives (also called urticaria) are raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin. They can range in size from small bumps to larger patches and may appear anywhere on your body. Hives occur when your immune system releases histamine (a chemical messenger) in response to a trigger, causing blood vessels in the skin to leak fluid.

Most hives are temporary and fade within hours or days, though some people experience chronic hives that last six weeks or longer. While hives are usually not serious, they can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life.

Who is this service for?

Hives treatment at Denver Allergy is right for you if you:

Experience sudden or recurring itchy welts on your skin
Have hives that interfere with sleep, work, or daily activities
Want to identify what triggers your hives
Have tried over-the-counter treatments without relief
Suffer from chronic hives lasting six weeks or more

Whether your hives are triggered by allergies, infections, stress, or unknown causes, our specialists can help.

What to expect during your visit

During your appointment, your allergist will review your medical history and ask detailed questions about when your hives started, what they look like, and what makes them better or worse. This information helps us identify potential triggers.

Your specialist may perform allergy testing (such as skin prick tests or blood tests) to pinpoint allergic triggers. In some cases, a physical examination is all that's needed. We'll discuss your symptoms openly and work together to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment and management options

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your hives. Common approaches include:

Antihistamine medications to reduce itching and swelling
Identifying and avoiding known triggers (foods, medications, environmental factors)
Prescription-strength treatments for chronic or severe hives
Lifestyle adjustments to reduce stress and skin irritation
Immunotherapy or specialist medications in complex cases

At Denver Allergy, we often see patients who find significant relief once we identify their specific triggers. Your specialist will explain each option and help you choose the best path forward.

Why choose Denver Allergy?

Our board-certified allergists and immunologists have extensive experience diagnosing and treating hives in patients throughout Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Littleton, and Arvada. We take time to understand your unique situation, perform thorough testing when needed, and create personalised treatment plans that work for your lifestyle.

If hives are affecting your comfort and quality of life, we're here to help. Contact Denver Allergy & Asthma Associates today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward relief.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions.

Common signs of hives

Raised, itchy welts on the skin

Red or skin-coloured bumps that appear suddenly

Intense itching, especially at night

Welts that change shape or move around

Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat in severe cases

Hives that fade and reappear in new locations

Learn More

Understanding hives and finding relief Q & A

Hives can be triggered by allergies (foods, medications, insect stings), infections, stress, temperature changes, or exercise. In many cases, the exact cause isn't immediately clear. Our allergists can perform testing to identify allergic triggers and help you understand what may be causing your hives.

No, hives are not contagious. They're a skin reaction caused by your immune system, not an infection. You cannot catch hives from another person or pass them to someone else. However, if hives are caused by an infection, the underlying infection may be contagious.

Most hives fade within hours to a few days. However, some people experience chronic hives that persist for six weeks or longer. If your hives are recurring or long-lasting, our specialists can help identify triggers and develop a management plan to reduce their frequency and severity.

Please bring a list of any medications or supplements you're taking, a record of when your hives appear and what you were doing beforehand, and your insurance card. If possible, take photos of your hives to show your specialist. This information helps us identify patterns and potential triggers.

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and identifying triggers rather than 'curing' hives. Once we understand what causes your hives, you can often prevent them by avoiding triggers. Our specialists will work with you to find the most effective treatment approach for your situation.

Not always. Your allergist will assess whether testing is necessary based on your symptoms and medical history. If allergies may be involved, skin prick tests or blood tests can help identify specific triggers. We'll discuss whether testing is right for you during your consultation.

Take the first step

Ready to get started? Feeling Better?

Expert hives treatment in Denver, Boulder, Lakewood, Westminster, Littleton, and Arvada. Our allergists identify triggers and create personalised relief plans. Call 303-234-1067.

Not sure which service you need? We'll help you find the right care.

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