At Dermatology Associates of West Texas, our board-certified dermatologists and experienced nurse practitioners have over 20 years of experience specializing in general dermatology. We’re here to help you gain control over those irritating hives and reclaim your life.
This month’s blog hones in on CIU, explaining what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it.
Recognizing Chronic Hives
Hives that keep returning or never seem to go away fully may be CIU. Symptoms of CIU commonly include:
- Red or skin-colored welts
- Welts that come and go, often in different places on the body
- Itching, burning, or stinging sensations
- Swelling in the nearby area
- Flare-ups that last longer than six weeks
These hives can disrupt your sleep, focus, confidence, and well-being.
Understanding Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU)
Most chronic hives cases are idiopathic, meaning there’s no known cause, hence the name chronic idiopathic urticaria. Although CIU usually looks like an allergic reaction, it doesn’t typically behave like one. Allergic reactions tend to fade long before a CIU flare-up does, and allergies may be more predictable than CIU.
In cases where a cause of chronic hives can be found, some common culprits are medications, infections, and autoimmune conditions. Although having CIU means you don’t know the root cause of your hives, that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. Managing your condition starts with watching for possible triggers or things that worsen your symptoms.
CIU Triggers
For many people with CIU, there’s no single trigger. However, the following can sometimes make chronic hives worse:
- Stress and fatigue
- Heat, pressure, or friction on the skin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Tight clothing
- Physical exertion
- Infections, including sinus or urinary tract infections
If our team identifies any patterns during your evaluation, we can reduce your flare-ups with targeted lifestyle changes.
Symptom management may include antihistamines, histamine blockers (H2 blockers,) other oral medications, or biologic injections based on your needs.
Chronic Hives Help in Lubbock and Denver City
We understand how discouraging chronic hives can be, especially when they don’t have a clear cause. We offer compassionate, personalized care in Lubbock and Denver City, so call Dermatology Associates of West Texas at 806-797-1202 to schedule your consultation.
