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Medical dermatology
Rash and hives treatment in Richardson, TX
Answers for a rash that itches, spreads or will not clear, from a board-certified dermatologist who sees every patient herself.
Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider
MD, FAAD · Board-certified dermatologist. You will see her at every visit.
Overview
What causes rashes and hives
A rash is any area of irritated, inflamed or discolored skin, and it has hundreds of possible causes. Allergic reactions, irritating products, infections, medications, heat and long-term skin conditions can all produce one. Because many rashes look alike, getting the diagnosis right is the most important step.
Hives are raised, itchy welts that appear and fade within hours, often moving from place to place. A single episode is usually a reaction to a food, medication, infection or insect sting. Hives that keep returning for more than six weeks are called chronic hives. Often no outside trigger is found, but they can still be treated.
When to see a dermatologist
A rash has lasted more than two weeks, or keeps coming back
It is spreading, painful, blistering or showing signs of infection
The itch is keeping you awake
Hives have been coming and going for more than six weeks
Trouble breathing, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, is an emergency. Call 911.
Rashes we treat
Contact dermatitis. A reaction to something that touched the skin, such as poison ivy, nickel, fragrance or hair dye.
Hives. Itchy welts that come and go, whether a single episode or a chronic pattern.
Fungal rashes. Ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot and the light or dark patches of tinea versicolor.
Heat and skin fold rashes. Irritation from sweat and friction under the breasts, in the groin and in other folds.
Medication rashes. A widespread rash that starts after a new medication.
Shingles and viral rashes. Painful or blistering rashes caused by a virus.
Treatment
How we treat rashes and hives
Treatment starts with finding the cause. Dr. Riemenschneider looks at the pattern of the rash, asks about new products, medications and exposures, and runs tests when the answer is not clear from the exam.
Diagnosis and testing. A skin culture, small biopsy or lab work when needed.
Prescription creams. Steroid, antifungal or antibiotic creams matched to the cause.
Oral medication. Antihistamines for hives, antifungal or antiviral pills, or a short course of steroids for a severe reaction.
Long-term control. Biologic pills or injections such as omalizumab (Xolair) for chronic hives, and a plan for avoiding the triggers we identify.
Your visit
What to expect at your visit
Tell us what changed. New products, medications, plants, travel or illness. Bring photos if your rash comes and goes.
Dr. Riemenschneider examines your skin. She may do a quick in-office test or a small biopsy to confirm the cause.
You leave with a plan. Your diagnosis or next steps explained, with any prescriptions sent to your pharmacy.
In network with most major health plans. See every plan we accept
Questions
Common questions about rashes and hives
Have a question that is not here? Call 214-833-5300.
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Go to the emergency room or call 911 for a rash with trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, a high fever, or skin that is blistering or peeling over large areas. A rash that spreads quickly after starting a new medication also needs same-day care.
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Hives are raised welts that appear suddenly, itch, and fade within about a day without leaving a mark. Most other rashes stay in place for days or weeks and may be scaly, blistered or sore.
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About half of people with chronic hives never find out what sets them off. Daily antihistamines control most cases, and other treatments are available when they do not.
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Most rashes are not. Fungal rashes, shingles and some viral rashes can spread, which is another reason to have a rash diagnosed.
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Bring a list of your medications and supplements, and the creams and products you have used on the area. Photos of the rash at its worst are helpful, especially for hives.
Related care Eczema Psoriasis Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff Warts and molluscum All medical dermatology
Reviewed by Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Last reviewed October 2026. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.
Address 702 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 104, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone 214-833-5300