Hives Center - Downers Grove, IL
Downers Grove Dermatologist Doctors for HivesType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Downers Grove * Center for Dermatology & Skin Cancer Ltd  Rush Dermatology Patient Services  Rush Dermatology Patient Services  Oak Brook Dermatology Associates  Oak Brook Dermatology Associates  AC Dermatology  Dermatology Associates of Hinsdale SC  Dermatology Associates of Hinsdale SC  Clear Complexions RX  Aesthetic & Clinical Dermatology Associates  Naperbrook Dermatology  Tehming Liang MD  Barsky Dermatological Association  O'Donoghue Gehlmann & Kalis MDs  O'Donoghue Gehlmann & Kalis MDs  Medical Hair Restoration  Jeffrey L Melton MD  O'Donoghue Gehlmann & Kalis MDs  Town Square Dermatology  Town Square Dermatology  Moira C Ariano MD  Moira C Ariano MD  DuPage Medical Group of Stratford  Dermatology Associates of LaGrange  Dermatology Associates of LaGrange  Dermatology Associates of LaGrange  Dermatology Associates of LaGrange  Gary Jay Barsky MD  The Elmhurst Clinic  The Elmhurst Clinic  Francis S Lichon MD  Wilfried L Schmerold MD  Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute  Center for Cosmetic Skin Surgery  Dermatology Office  James R Davis MD  Dermatology Office  Kiran R Bais MD  Leone Dermatology Center  Leone Dermatology Center  Anthony M Janiga MD  Dermatology Limited  Dermatology Limited  Dermatology Limited  Dermatology Limited  Dermatology Limited  Dermatology Limited  Julie A Moore MD  Sophia E Welykyj MD  Medical Surgical Dermarology  Fine Skin Dermatology  Medical Surgical Dermarology  Michael A Greenberg MD  John E Stopka MD  Dreyer Medical Clinic Fox Valley Dermatology & Psychiatry  Dupage Medical Group Dermatology  Dupage Medical Group Dermatology  Aleksander Krunic MD SC  Bryan C Schultz MD  A & G Dermatology  Academic & Clinical Associates  A & G Dermatology  Southwest Dermatology  Southwest Dermatology  Academic & Clinical Associates  Southwest Dermatology  Southwest Dermatology  Eugene Mandrea MD  Eugene Mandrea MD  Raymond W Vahl MD  Advanced Urology Center  Schaumburg Dermatology  Bielinski Dermatology  Bielinski Dermatology  Marvin H Margolis MD  Fox Valley Dermatology  Pronger Smith Medical Care  Dermatology Limited  Dermatology Limited  Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute  Cole D Lundquist MD  Raymond M Handler MD & Roland S Medansky MD  Wyhinny Alter Garcia & Wyhinny MDs  Fahey Medical Center  Medical Specialists Ltd & Laser Care  Dolar Koya MD  Taraneh S Firoozi MD  Chicago Skin Clinic  Rollie S Ackerman MD  Matthew Oommen MD  Bakal Dermatology Associates  Bakal Dermatology Associates  Oliver H Drabkin MD  Miroslawa Dulczewska Miller MD PhD  Northwest Dermatology SC  Northwest Dermatology SC  Bruce Kolton MD LLC  Glazer Dermatology  Northwest Dermatology SC  Northwest Dermatology SC Downers Grove, IllinoisUpcoming Local Events2012-06-09
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HivesWhat are hives (urticaria)?Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They range in size from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. Hives can be round, or they can form rings or large patches. Wheals (welts), red lesions with a red "flare" at the borders, are another manifestation of hives. Hives can occur anywhere on the body, such as the trunk, arms, and legs. It is estimated that 5% of all people will develop urticaria at some point in their lives. Hives are more common in women than in men. Of those with chronic hives (those lasting six weeks or more), some 80% are idiopathic, the medical term which means that no cause, allergic or otherwise, can be found. One hallmark of hives is their tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Individual hives usually last two to 24 hours. An outbreak that looks impressive, even alarming, first thing in the morning can be completely gone by noon, only to be back in full force later in the day. Very few, if any other skin diseases occur and then resolve so rapidly. Therefore, even if you have no evidence of hives to show the doctor when you get to the office for examination, he or she can often establish the diagnosis based upon the history of your symptoms. Because hives fluctuate so much and so fast, it is helpful to bring along a photograph of what the outbreak looked like at its worst. Swelling deeper in the skin that may accompany hives is called angioedema. This may be seen on the hands and feet as well as on mucous membranes (with swelling of the lips or eyes that can be as dramatic as it is brief.)
What causes hives?Hives are produced by histamine and other compounds released from cells called mast cells, which are a... Recommended Reading Related to HivesEczema facts
Other Related Hives ArticlesEmergency Contact for Downers Grove
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Suggested Reading on Hives by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Atopic Dermatitis
- Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and. dyshidrotic eczema.
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Rash
- The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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Allergy
- An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Food Allergy
- The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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Anaphylaxis
- Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal. Causes of anaphylaxis can be food allergy, latex allergy, allergy to insect or but stings/bites, asthma, or other materials or conditions. Symptoms include flushing, itching, hives, anxiety, rapid or irregular pulse. Severe symptoms may be throat and tongue swelling, swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Some disorders appear similar to anaphylaxis such as fainting, panic attacks, blood clots in the lungs, heart attacks, and septic shock. If you think that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction, seek emergency care or call 911 immedately.
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Itching
- Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
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Eczema
- Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
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Drug Allergies
- Drug allergies are cause when the immune system mistakenly creates an immune response to a medication. Symptoms of a drug allergic reaction include hives, rash, itchy skin or eyes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, fainting and anxiety. The most common drug allergy is penicillin. Treatment may involve antihistamines or corticosteroids. An Epipen may be used for life-threatening anaphylactic symptoms.
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Bug Bites and Stings
- Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Lyme disease. Though most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, some reactions may be life-threatening. Preventing bug bites and stings with insect repellant, wearing the proper protective attire, and not wearing heavily scented perfumes when in grassy, wooded, and brushy areas is key.
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Black Eye
- The most common cause of a black eye is due to an injury to the face or head. Most black eye injuries are minor and heal on their own, however, some may lead to significant injury. In addition to trauma to the face, cosmetic surgery can cause a black eye(s) as a side effect. People should be aware of the situations in which medical care should be sought immediately for a black eye.
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Atopic Dermatitis
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Medications
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