Doctors are saying they’re seeing more patients suffering from seasonal hives – a skin condition that appears like a rash or red bumps on the skin.  

Seasonal hives are extremely itchy and can even affect a person’s quality of life. For ESL teacher Nicole Levin, spending time outdoors during the spring isn’t all sunshine and rainbows – this season is when her hives tend to break out due to the exposure to pollen.  

Experts say most hive breakouts happen in the spring, but that people can develop the condition year-round. Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergy and infectious disease specialist at NYU Langone Health, says food, pollen, sudden exposure to heat and cold, or tight-fitting fabrics irritating skin can all cause hives. 

“It’s a spectrum, and it can be quite severe,” said Parikh. “I should know – I got them two weeks ago and it was all over my arms and legs.” 

Purvi says that the milder winter weather this past season has led to more people coming into her office suffering from both allergies and hives, and that it’s happening earlier on than usual.  

Experts say hives go away on their own usually within one week. If a case lasts longer than that, consult a doctor.