Chronic Hives

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) is a condition where you get hives (red, itchy bumps) on your skin that last for more than six weeks. Hives can appear on any area of the body. They may change shape, move around, disappear and reappear over short periods of time. The bumps – red or skin-colored “wheals” with clear edges – usually appear suddenly and go away just as quickly. “Idiopathic” means we don’t know exactly what causes it. Often, CIU is accompanied by angioedema, which is tissue swelling that often affects the face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet.

In CIU and angioedema, your immune system releases a chemical called histamine. Normally, histamine helps your body fight infections, but in these conditions, it causes hives and swelling without any infection.

While CIU and angioedema can be frustrating, there are treatments that can help:

• Antihistamines: These medicines help stop the itch and swelling by blocking histamine.
• Avoid Triggers: Try to notice what makes your symptoms worse and avoid those things.
• Other Medications: If antihistamines don’t work, your doctor might suggest other medicines including omalizumab, a monthly injectable medication.

In addition to prescribing treatments, your Ohio ENT & Allergy provider may talk to you about ways to manage hives through lifestyle measures. These include:

• Staying Calm: Stress can make symptoms worse, so finding ways to relax can help.
• Keeping a Diary: Write down when you get hives or swelling and what you were doing. This might help your care team find patterns.
• Communicating with Your Doctor: Always let your doctor know how you’re feeling and if treatments are helping.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often appears in childhood but affects many adults as well. Managing atopic dermatitis involves understanding triggers, maintaining a skincare routine, and knowing how to identify and manage flare-ups.

Your Ohio ENT & Allergy provider can discuss ways to control your eczema through lifestyle changes. These include:

1. Moisturize Regularly
   • Use fragrance-free creams or ointments at least twice daily to keep skin hydrated.
   • Apply immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
2. Bathe Smartly
   • Take short, lukewarm baths or showers.
   • Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
   • Pat skin dry gently with a towel, leaving some moisture on the skin before applying moisturizer.
3. Wear Soft, Breathable Clothing
   • Opt for cotton or soft fabrics, and avoid rough, scratchy materials like wool.
   • Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove potential irritants.
4. Identify and Avoid Triggers
   • Common triggers include stress, sweating, harsh soaps, detergents, and environmental factors like pollen or dust.
   • Keep a diary to help identify and avoid specific triggers.

Your provider may also prescribe medication to help you manage atopic dermatitis, especially when it is severe. The number of available medications for atopic dermatitis is increasing, and includes things like:

• Topical Treatments: Prescription anti-inflammatory creams or ointments can help reduce inflammation during flares.
• Antihistamines: These can help relieve itching, especially at night.
• Biologics: Several injectable biologic drugs have been approved to control atopic dermatitis and prevent flares. They work by controlling inflammation at its source within the immune system.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that occurs when your skin encounters something that causes either direct irritation or an allergic reaction. Imagine it as your skin’s way of saying, “I don’t like this!” It can happen to anyone and is often caused by everyday items like soaps, cosmetics, plants, or jewelry.

There are two main types of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common and happens when a substance physically damages the skin. This could be from harsh chemicals or even frequent handwashing. The other kind, allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your immune system reacts to a substance, such as nickel in jewelry or poison ivy.

The symptoms of contact dermatitis include redness, itching, swelling, or blisters on the affected area of your skin. The rash can be tough to distinguish from eczema. These symptoms usually take a few days to develop after the skin is exposed to the provoking substance.

The good news is that contact dermatitis usually clears up once you identify and avoid the offending substance. Your Ohio ENT & Allergy provider can work with you to identify contact allergens through a type of allergy test called a patch test. Once you know you’re sensitive to certain substances, your provider will guide you on how to avoid them.

In the meantime, there are ways to help soothe the irritation, such as applying moisturizing creams, using anti-itch lotions, or taking antihistamines. In severe cases, you might by prescribed an anti-inflammatory treatment.