Do You Need Medical Treatment for Hives and Rashes?

Sometimes, our skin will display temporary or chronic inflammation, redness or dryness that is indicative of an underlying condition. For many, experiencing skin irritation is challenging to avoid, and most of the time, it goes away on its own.

Skin issues might come across as agitated patches across certain parts of the body. They can result from a bug bite, an allergic reaction, or heat. Hives and rashes, which are the most general form of skin issues, are typically not a cause for concern, but in some cases, they can be.

So, when is it time to receive medical treatment for skin irritation? Sometimes, hives and rashes can cause issues beyond minor discomfort, and medical attention might be required.

What Causes Hives and Rashes?

While hives and rashes might be challenging to distinguish, their underlying cause is what sets them apart.

Hives

Often, hives are caused by histamine released within the body. This is the result of allergies. The body recognizes an allergen and forms a reaction. Some individuals only experience itchy eyes and noses, but it can develop as red, raised bumps across the skin, usually larger or smaller in size.

However, allergies are not the only cause of hives. They can occur due to one or more of the following:

● Anxiety

● Medicines

● Sunlight

● Stress

● Viral infections

● Bacterial infections

Rashes

Rashes are similar to hives, but they can be noticeably different. They usually come across as a scattering of swelling that may or may not be itchy. The skin may also appear rough, cracked and scaly. Some causes include:

● Bug bites

● Dermatitis

● Allergic eczema

● Psoriasis

● Other Viral or Bacterial infections

No matter the cause of the hives or rashes, it's essential to know the symptoms to look for when deciding if it's time to seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Hives and Rashes

Like causes, hives and rashes also share several symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is how they present themselves on the skin as red or raised bumps, but other features indicate whether your skin is reacting.

Hives

Hives typically present themselves as raised skin, such as welts, that may or may not be red due to the inflammation. They itch, and individuals with more allergies than others are likelier to get hives. Depending on the underlying cause of hives, their sizing can vary. For some individuals, the raised skin can combine to create more extensive areas of irritation.

Other symptoms of hives as the result of a severe reaction include:

● Dizziness

● Trouble breathing

● Swelling

● Cramping in the stomach

Rashes

In the same vein as hives, rashes are typically red from inflammation and present as a cluster of irritated patches. The difference between hives and rashes is usually raised—most rashes do not cause significantly raised patches of skin, unlike hives, but they can cause small bumps. Rashes are generally swollen tissues underneath the skin and may or may not itch.

Rashes may be painful, itchy, red, blotchy, raw, and scaly. When suffering from a rash, you may notice plaques or even blisters. If you see a painful or spreading rash, you should seek medical attention.

Treatment for Hives and Rashes

Hives and rashes have several treatment options that can vary based on the condition's underlying cause.

Hive Treatment

● Antihistamines (for allergy-related hives)

● Cortisone cream

● Calamine lotion

● Using a cold-water compress on the affected location

● Using a cold witch hazel compress

Rash Treatment

● Antihistamines (for allergy-related rashes)

● Corticosteroids

● Retinoids

● Aloe vera

● Taking an oatmeal bath

● Prescription medication

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care Treats Severe Hives and Rashes

If you feel your condition is a true emergency, call 911 immediately. If you're experiencing pain or hives and rashes, seek medical attention and visit Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care.

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care's emergency room is open 24/7, and urgent care is available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Appointments are unnecessary - walk in, and our healthcare professionals are ready to help at both of our locations.

Navarre - 8888 Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, FL 32566. Call the center at 850-750-5698.

Nine Mile - 9400 University Parkway Suite 101A Pensacola, FL 32514. Call the center at 448-227-4600.

Baptist Emergency Room & Urgent Care is comprised of board-certified ER-trained physicians and professionally trained ER nurses who deliver quality medical care. Our urgent care and emergency room can effectively treat various medical conditions. From fever to fractures, allergies to abdominal pain, and colds to concussions, we have you covered with on-site labs, CT, X-rays, and ultrasound.