Your skin is often a reflection of your overall health, which is why conditions like persistent itching, redness, or irritation should never be ignored. Two of the most common skin conditions people experience are hives and eczema, yet they often look and feel similar at first glance.
While both disrupt daily comfort, they also serve as signals that something deeper may be affecting your body’s balance. At Dynamic Life Health Center, we approach these conditions with a holistic lens, looking to identify and address the root causes that contribute to skin inflammation, rather than simply masking the symptoms.
In this blog, we will explore the differences between these two conditions, what they may signal about your overall wellness, and when it may be time to consider a hives test in Tarrant County, TX, for clearer answers.
What Are Hives and Eczema?
Itchy and uncomfortable, both hives and eczema can negatively affect our quality of life. Neither is contagious, and they have different underlying causes, durations, appearances, and treatment approaches.
Hives (also known as “urticaria”) are caused by inflammation in the deeper layers of the skin, known as the dermis. They form when certain cells in your skin release histamine, which is a chemical our immune system releases that causes the small blood vessels in the skin to leak fluid. Allergens, stress, or heat can trigger this.
Eczema occurs when the top layer of skin, known as the epidermis, becomes damaged or inflamed. This can happen because of a genetic predisposition, non-food allergens, or exposure to irritating chemicals.
Spotting the Difference Between Hives and Eczema
There are a few key differences between hives and eczema: their symptoms and appearance, common triggers, location, and duration.
Symptoms and Appearance
- Hives: Raised, red or skin-colored welts that may appear suddenly, and they can itch or burn.
- Eczema: Dry, flaky red patches that may ooze or crust over time.
Common Triggers
- Hives: Pollen, pet dander, foods, insect stings, stress, and heat
- Eczema: Makeup, sunscreen, lotions, detergents, adhesives, certain fabrics (like wool, polyester, and nylon)
Location
- Hives: Can appear anywhere on the body
- Eczema: Most common on the hands, face, neck, elbows, and knees
Duration
- Hives: May last hours to days if acute, or 6 weeks or longer if chronic
- Eczema: Can be chronic and long-lasting, with flare-ups lasting weeks to months at a time
Testing Hives and Eczema
The best way to determine whether you are suffering from hives or eczema is through allergy testing. At Dynamic Life Health Center, we offer a wide range of diagnostic tests to help us determine what skin condition our patients have, as well as what steps need to be taken for treatment.
Food allergy testing can determine whether a certain food is causing your skin to react. With this information, your provider can recommend a treatment plan, eliminating certain foods from your diet and integrating nutritional supplements into your daily routine—which offers far more success than most food elimination tests done through trial and error.
Schedule Your Hives Test
In Tarrant County, TX, distinguishing between hives and eczema is more than a matter of labeling symptoms. It’s about understanding what your body is trying to communicate. While hives and eczema can seem similar, the way they’re treated (and the root causes behind them) are very different.
At Dynamic Life Health Center, our team is committed to supporting your whole-body wellness with personalized care that considers the connections between your skin, immune system, and overall health.
If you’ve been struggling with recurring skin flare-ups, don’t wait for answers. Schedule your hives test in Tarrant County, TX, and we will design a care plan that helps you restore balance, improve comfort, and enhance your overall health and well-being from the inside out.
