Stop the itch in Crystal Lake area with treatment for hives

Posted By: | Published On: | Allergy Treatment
Stop the itch in Crystal Lake area with treatment for hives

You may associate hives with unsightly red blotches or flesh-colored lumps that itch. While the condition is common and can affect up to a quarter of us at some point in our lives, it is rare for hives to be life threatening. The related condition of angioedema can produce swelling around the mouth and eyes that is so deep and intense it may cause the tongue and throat to expand so much that the airway is blocked.

Regardless of if your hives are infrequent and minor, or chronic and intense, we can connect you with a treatment near Crystal Lake to have you feeling comfortable in your own skin in no time.

Getting to know hives

Hives have many causes. To determine a course of treatment, we must first identify what is triggering your symptoms.

Acute hives often occur in younger people, and can last a few days to several weeks.

Chronic hives are at fault when conditions persist for at least six weeks. Some cases can last months or years.

It’s believed allergies are more frequently a factor in chronic cases. Hives can also be caused by immune system disorders like lupus, and genetic conditions related to abnormal levels of blood proteins.

Common allergic culprits behind hives include foods like shellfish, peanuts, eggs, milk, and medications including penicillin and aspirin, airborne allergens such as animal dander and pollen, and latex or other substances the skin may contact.

Hives can clear up naturally, but if your symptoms are persistent and/or very uncomfortable, we can work toward minimizing your exposure through prevention and avoiding the allergen where possible.

Other treatment for hives

OTC or prescribed antihistamines can also provide relief from itching and swelling by blocking those chemicals or histamines that set off the allergic reaction.

More severe symptoms may require Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff to prescribe corticosteroids, which suppress immune system activity, thereby reducing inflammation. Prednisone and cortisone are among the most common types of these steroids.

If you have severe or recurrent attacks, we may recommend you carry a pen-like device to administer a dose of epinephrine or adrenalin in emergencies, until first responders arrive.

For severe symptoms or allergies that haven’t subsided with other types of treatment, we may recommend allergy shots or immunotherapy. Our team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois will expose your body to increasing amounts of the suspect allergen. With time, your immune system learns to tolerate the substance it once fought against.

There are still other causes of hives, including stress and exercise. Let’s find out what is causing your itch and bumps. The sooner we find a cause, the sooner you can get relief. Contact our specialists to get treatment for hives in the Crystal Lake area at (847) 888-8802.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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