These conditions are both triggered by the immune system and produce rash-like symptoms. Understanding the cause of your hives or eczema is important to prevent the reactions from occurring and help to ease symptoms. 

Hives and Eczema Treatment Options

While eczema and hives do have some similarities, they are two different conditions and may require different treatment methods.

Hives Treatment Methods

Hives are often caused by allergic reactions to drugs or food, and the primary treatment will be avoiding these irritants in the future. Allergy testing can help determine the cause of your hives. Texas ENT Specialists offers allergy testing for food and drugs to find the root of your allergy. Antihistamines can help control some of the symptoms of your hives.

Eczema Treatment Methods

Eczema can also be caused by allergic reactions, making allergy testing beneficial. Your treatment will also include avoiding the allergen. 

  • Antihistamines
  • Avoiding rough fabric or tight clothing
  • Keeping the skin moist
  • Using cortisone creams
  • Patting dry after bathing
  • Using soap substitutes
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Hives and Eczema Similarities

There are different types of hives and eczema, and diagnosing them can be difficult for patients to determine by themselves. Both conditions most often appear in the form of a rash on the skin. They are both caused by the immune system and can be the result of an allergic reaction to food, medication, or pollutants. Eczema can also be caused by other factors such as stress. Discovering which allergen is causing the condition is the best way to treat both of these skin conditions.

Symptoms of Eczema

  • Dry skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Crusting skin
  • Swelling 
  • Bumps on the skin
  • Red rash
  • Scaly patches of skin

Symptoms of Hives

  • Welts on the skin (may be red or skin-colored)
  • Itching skin
  • Swelling
  • Pain or discomfort in the area

About Texas ENT Specialists 

Texas ENT Specialists has been a top-rated ENT provider in the Houston area since 1997. We help patients understand their condition and provide a treatment plan to help them find long-term relief. 

We have set ourselves apart through:

Personalized Treatment

We provide personalized treatment designed to address your condition and the ways it’s impacting your life.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Each of our locations is staffed with a team of providers who have years of experience treating ENT conditions.

Centers of Excellence

We’ve designed a seamless patient experience that begins the moment you contact us.

Continuity of Care

Texas ENT Specialists has 15 convenient locations across Houston to ensure we’re always there when you need us.

Who Can Hives and Eczema Affect?

Both hives and eczema can be found in patients of all ages and from all backgrounds. Eczema typically begins in childhood, but can also appear in adulthood. Those with allergies or autoimmune triggers are more likely to have hives or eczema. 

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Hives and Eczema FAQ

When do I need to see a doctor for hives or eczema?

There are two main reasons to see a provider for hives and eczema. The first reason is that you don’t know the cause of your reactions. Using our allergy testing, we will determine the factor that is triggering this reaction, making it easier to help you avoid it in the future. The second reason to see a provider is if your hives are part of a severe allergic reaction that is causing swelling in the throat.

With 15 convenient locations across the greater Houston area, we’re never far away.

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