Are there any alternative solutions to oral steroids for hives? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

For the treatment of hives or urticaria, antihistamines are the Mainstay of treatment. Sometimes, we do need higher doses of antihistamine to get the urticaria under control.

Oral steroids can help control urticaria, but they are not an ideal long-term treatment due to their side effects.

In persistent cases, oral medications like Montelukast and cyclosporine can be considered. There is now a new treatment for urticaria called omalizumab.

This is a biologic therapy, which is effective for controlling chronic urticaria. It given as a subcutaneous injection. I suggest that you speak to your dermatologist to explore these other options if your urticaria is still persistent.

Similar Questions

What should I do about dry and sensitive skin around my eyelids?

I agree with Dr Ethan that this is likely to be eczema affecting the eyelids from the desciption but do see your dermatologist to confirm this. Mild steroidal creams or non steroidal creams like elidel or protopic can help to settle the eczema. Avoid scratching and rubbing the area as this will further aggravate the skin. Yoy should also use a gentle soap free cleanser when washing the face. If you are using cosmetics around the eyes, you may want to consider stopping this for a while as some products may cause the skin to become more itchy and red.

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Answered By

Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

Could I have eczema if I have a red, scaly rash around my mouth?

Your description sounds typical of angular cheilitis, which is a fairly common inflammatory condition affecting the corners of your mouth. It can be caused by several things, eczema being one of them. It could also simply be due to dry, chapped lips. Occasionally, it can be caused by a type of infection due to bacteria, yeast, or virus. Depending on the underlying cause, it may persist indefinitely if you don’t seek help from a doctor. GPs will be able to start you of with the right treatment, and they may refer you to see a dermatologist if necessary.

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