The current only approved treatment for hives are antihistamines and Xolair (omalizumab). Omalizumab is approved for the treatment of chronic hives for those 12 years and older (it is approved for 6 years and older in asthma). New treatment for hives are on the horizon. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) Ligelizumab is a […]
High dose Xolair for chronic hives
High dose Xolair may be a treatment option for patients with chronic hives who fail the standard treatment dose of 300mg monthly. Xolair (omalizumab) is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody for patients who have chronic spontaneous urticaria who fail the 4 fold standard dosing of antihistamines. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) A recent study […]
Can you taper your Xolair dosage for hives?
Chronic spontaneous urticaria involves recurrent episodes of hives with or without swelling for 6 weeks or longer from unknown causes. Although chronic hives tends to be self-limited in most patients, it affects quality of life. Most studies show that it affects 0.5% to 1% of the general population. The trigger is unknown and treatment includes […]
Dupixent for Hives
Dupixent for hives is novel treatment option for patients with difficult to treatment chronic spontaneous urticaria. Chronic hives is a common condition marked by episodes of elevated, itching, red wheals persisting for more than 6 weeks without a specific known cause. It is estimated that chronic hives affects about 1% of the population. The mechanism […]
Cold Hives (urticaria): A review
Cold hives (or urticaria), is a subtype of physical hives that is characterized by the development of hives and swelling in response to cold exposure and rewarming of the skin. It is related to the histamine release of mast cells. Several studies have shown that it is related to IgE and an unknown skin autoallergen […]
Solar Urticaria (Sun Hives)
Solar urticaria, is a type of skin response after exposure to the sun. There is an abrupt onset of redness, swelling and itching in light exposed areas. The light waves that trigger solar urticaria are usually within the range of 400 to 700 nm (visible light) and 320 to 400 nm (UV A). Patients often […]
Systemic Complaints in Chronic Urticaria (hives)
Most people who have chronic urticaria (hives) complain of severe itching. Chronic urticaria or chronic hives is associated with welts with or without swelling that generally resolve within 24 hours. It is considered chronic if it lasts 6 weeks or longer. Another term used is chronic spontaneous urticaria or chronic idiopathic urticaria. An estimated 80-90% […]
Dermographism treated with Xolair
Dermographism is the most common form of physical urticaria with a prevalence of up to 5%. Dermographism is characterized by itchy wheals that occur in response to friction, i.e. after rubbing or scratching of the skin and it usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. Dermographism usually lasts for years and it impacts quality of life. […]
Altered Gut Microbes in Chronic Hives
An altered gut microbe composition has recently been linked to some types of allergies. In chronic urticaria (hives), hives are present continuously or intermittently for at least 6 weeks. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) The precise cause of chronic hives is unknown and the major treatment is symptomatic control. Chronic hives is an […]
Alternative Agents for Refractory Chronic Urticaria Patients
Chronic urticaria is defined for a period of at least 6 weeks with hives. Patients with chronic urticaria who fail high-dose antihistamines should be referred to an allergy specialist to help manage their condition. We have previously spoke about the stepwise approach to chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) Patients with […]