What Hives Look & Feel Like
Hives (urticaria) typically appear as raised, itchy welts that can change shape, size, or location within hours. Some reactions last minutes, while others can linger for days or become chronic. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, or a burning sensation.
Common Allergic Triggers
Allergic skin reactions can be caused by foods, medications, insect bites, temperature changes, exercise, stress, or contact with irritants. Our providers help identify patterns and triggers so you can understand what’s causing your skin to react.
Who Should Get Evaluated
You should schedule a dermatology evaluation if:
- Hives last longer than 24–48 hours
- Welts continue appearing for several days
- You develop hives frequently or without a clear cause
- Swelling occurs around the eyes, lips, or throat
- Over-the-counter medications are not helping
- You suspect a medication, food, or skincare allergy
- You experience other symptoms like dizziness or trouble breathing (seek emergency care for severe reactions)
Even mild hives can point to an underlying allergy or sensitivity. Prompt evaluation helps rule out more serious causes and ensures you receive effective treatment.
How Often to Schedule
Most patients benefit from a same-week evaluation for new or persistent hives. For chronic or recurring reactions, your provider may recommend periodic follow-ups to monitor symptoms, adjust treatments, or support allergy testing through a coordinated care plan.
What to Expect During a Hives & Allergic Reaction Visit
A complete evaluation helps determine whether your symptoms stem from allergies, environmental triggers, infections, medications, or autoimmune conditions.
Treatment & At-Home Skin Care
Protecting your skin every day is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer—especially in Colorado’s high-altitude sun. UV rays are stronger year-round here, even when it’s cloudy or cold. These simple habits help lower your risk between professional screenings.
Medications
Treatments may include antihistamines, topical steroids, non-steroidal creams, or short-course oral medications for severe flares. Chronic hives may benefit from advanced therapies prescribed by your dermatologist.
Cooling & Soothing Care
Cool compresses, gentle cleansers, and fragrance-free moisturizers can help calm itching and reduce inflammation at home.
Trigger Avoidance
Your provider will help pinpoint likely triggers—such as certain foods, temperature changes, or contact irritants—and provide strategies to avoid them during flare-ups.
A screening is simple, thorough, and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Here’s what happens:
Recurring Hives
If hives appear regularly or persist longer than six weeks, they may indicate chronic urticaria. We work with you to reduce symptoms, uncover contributing factors, and create a long-term management plan to keep your skin comfortable.
Our Screening Locations in Northern Colorado
We make it easy to access expert care close to home. Skin cancer screenings and prevention services are available at all three Altitude Dermatology locations:
Johnstown
4795 Larimer Pkwy, Suite 150, Johnstown, CO 80534
Longmont
1350 Tulip St, Suite 2, Longmont, CO 80501
Fort Collins
2032 Lowe St, Suite 202, Fort Collins, CO 80525
Why Choose Altitude Dermatology
Local dermatology experts serving Johnstown, Longmont, and Fort Collins
Board-certified dermatologist and experienced PAs
