Hives (Urticaria) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition seen in many Grand Rapids residents, from children to older adults. They appear as raised, itchy bumps or patches on the skin (called wheals) and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including medications, infections, and environmental conditions.

Because West Michigan experiences cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers, people in Grand Rapids may notice hives flaring with sudden temperature changes, sweating, or dry winter skin. Local healthcare providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health frequently evaluate and treat hives.

What Do Hives Look Like?

The raised areas of skin (wheals) in hives can:

  • Vary in size from very small spots to as large as a dinner plate
  • Be circular, oval, or ring-shaped (annular)
  • Appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the:
    • Torso
    • Throat and neck
    • Arms
    • Legs

Wheals usually:

  • Appear in clusters or batches
  • Come and go, with one cluster getting worse as another improves
  • Disappear within a few hours without leaving a mark, then reappear in a new area

If a wheal stays in exactly the same spot for more than 24 hours, this may suggest a different condition called urticarial vasculitis, which needs medical evaluation by a primary care provider, allergist, or dermatologist in Grand Rapids.

Acute vs. Chronic Hives

Acute Hives

  • Short-lived (days to a few weeks)
  • Wheals may come and go during this period
  • Often related to infections, medications, or recent exposures
  • Around 1 in 6 people will experience an episode of acute hives at some point in their lives

Chronic Hives

  • Lasts more than 6 weeks
  • Wheals can come and go for months or even years
  • Can significantly affect sleep, comfort, and quality of life
  • Often not due to a simple allergy, and a clear cause is rarely found

In Grand Rapids, people with chronic hives may be referred to allergy and immunology or dermatology specialists at major health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) for further evaluation.

What Causes Hives?

In about 80% of cases, the exact cause of hives is unknown (idiopathic). However, several factors are known to trigger or worsen hives:

Common Triggers

  • Medications
    • Antibiotics
    • Aspirin
    • Codeine and other opioid pain medicines
  • Allergic reactions to foods
    • Shellfish
    • Nuts
    • Eggs
    • Milk
    • Certain fruits
  • Food additives and preservatives
  • Infections
    • Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
    • Respiratory infections, especially in young children (common in Michigan’s fall and winter seasons)
  • Underlying medical conditions
    • Autoimmune diseases (such as systemic lupus erythematosus)
    • Viral illnesses like rubella or hepatitis
  • Environmental and physical triggers
    • Heat or hot showers
    • Cold temperatures or exposure to winter air (a concern in Grand Rapids’ long winters)
    • Sunshine
    • Exercise and sweating
    • Contact with certain plants or animals
    • Bee and wasp stings (more common in warmer months and near wooded or lakeside areas)
  • Emotional stress
    • Stress can worsen or prolong hives in some people

In chronic hives, it is rare to find a single clear cause. However, if a trigger is identified and successfully avoided, the hives may resolve.

Mast Cells, Histamine, and Hives

Under the lining of the skin, gut, lungs, nose, and eyes are immune cells called mast cells. These cells are part of the body’s defense system and are designed to help fight parasites and other threats.

Mast Cells and Histamine

Mast cells contain chemicals, including histamine. When these chemicals are released into the skin:

  • Small amounts cause:

    • Itching
    • Mild irritation

  • Large amounts cause:

    • Fluid to leak out of nearby blood vessels
    • Swelling and raised areas in the skin (hives)
    • Sometimes swelling without much itch

This is why antihistamine medications, which block the effects of histamine, are commonly used to treat hives.

Symptoms of Hives

Hives can range from mild to very uncomfortable. Common symptoms include:

  • Raised circular wheals that often look like mosquito bites
  • Red outer rim with a paler or white center
  • Itching, which can be intense or mild
  • Each wheal typically lasts 2–4 hours, occasionally up to 24 hours
  • Wheals appear in clusters or batches
  • With chronic hives, as one batch fades, a new batch may appear elsewhere
  • The rash may persist for months or years, and in rare cases, even decades

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice hives along with trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or dizziness, seek emergency care immediately at a local emergency department (for example, Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids).

Treatment for Hives in Grand Rapids

Avoiding Triggers

When a trigger is known, the first step is to avoid it. This may include:

  • Stopping or changing a medication (only under guidance from your doctor)
  • Avoiding foods that cause reactions
  • Limiting exposure to extreme heat, hot showers, or direct sun if these worsen hives
  • Minimizing use of aspirin or codeine if they aggravate symptoms
  • Protecting skin from harsh cold and wind during West Michigan winters

If no clear trigger is found, your healthcare provider may focus on symptom control and avoiding factors that commonly make hives worse.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are often the first-line treatment for hives:

  • Available over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores in Grand Rapids
  • Some people with chronic hives may need higher doses (2–4 tablets per day, depending on the medication and medical supervision) to control symptoms
  • Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so:
    • They may be best taken at night
    • You should avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and the package directions.

Other Medications for Chronic Hives

For chronic or severe hives that don’t respond to standard antihistamines, a doctor may prescribe:

  • Stronger or different types of antihistamines
  • Medications that calm the immune system
  • Injectable therapies (such as biologic medications) in selected cases

These treatments are typically managed by specialists such as allergists or dermatologists, available through Grand Rapids health systems like Spectrum Health and Metro Health.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

You should see a healthcare provider if:

  • Hives last longer than a few days without improvement
  • Wheals stay in the same spot for more than 24 hours
  • You have frequent or chronic hives (lasting more than 6 weeks)
  • Over-the-counter antihistamines are not helping
  • You suspect a medication or food is causing your hives

Local Care Options

In Grand Rapids, you can seek help from:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • A dermatologist (skin specialist)
  • An allergist/immunologist

Local systems with allergy and dermatology services include:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health in West Michigan)
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health

For community health support, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can provide information on local clinics and resources, especially if you do not have a regular doctor.

Key Points About Hives in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Hives (urticaria) are common skin rashes with one or many raised, red, itchy wheals.
  • They can affect any part of the body, but often appear on the torso, throat, arms, and legs.
  • Hives are caused by the release of histamine from mast cells, leading to itching and swelling.
  • In about 80% of cases, the exact cause of hives is unknown.
  • Medications, infections, foods, stress, heat, cold, and stings are known triggers.
  • Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, so use them carefully and follow medical advice.
  • Grand Rapids residents with persistent, severe, or recurrent hives should seek evaluation from local healthcare providers or specialists to ensure proper diagnosis and management.