Preparing for an appointment

You'll probably first visit your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist) or to an allergy specialist.

For chronic hives, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What is likely causing my symptoms?
• How long will these hives last?
• What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• Do these treatments have any side effects?
• Do I need prescription medication, or can I use over-the-counter medications to treat the condition?
• Does the medicine you're prescribing have a generic version?
• I have other health problems. Is the treatment you recommend compatible with those conditions?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions such as:

• What symptoms do you have, and when did you first begin experiencing them?
• Do you have tightness in your chest or throat, nausea, or difficulty breathing?
• Have you had any viral or bacterial infections recently?
• What medications, herbal remedies and supplements do you take?
• Have you tried any new foods recently?
• Have you traveled to a new place?
• Do you have a family history of hives or angioedema?
• What, if anything, appears to improve or worsen your symptoms?