What Is Urticaria?
Urticaria, commonly called hives, causes itchy, raised welts that can appear suddenly on the skin. Welts may vary in size and shape and can look red or pale. Urticaria is often described as acute when it lasts up to six weeks and chronic when it continues or recurs for more than six weeks.
Symptoms and Possible Triggers
Hives typically cause itchy, raised welts that may change shape or location. Triggers can include infections, some medicines, pressure, heat, cold, exercise, or other exposures. Sometimes no clear trigger is found. A clinician can help assess symptoms and possible causes.
Treatment and Management
Care depends on symptom severity, duration, medical history, and the likely cause. A qualified healthcare professional can recommend an appropriate plan.
Antihistamines
Clinicians commonly recommend antihistamines to help reduce itching and hives. Use medicines as directed by a healthcare professional or the product label.
Further Treatment When Needed
Persistent or severe symptoms may require additional prescription treatment. The choice of medicine should be made by a clinician; corticosteroids are not suitable for routine or prolonged self-treatment.
Review Possible Triggers
Keeping a symptom diary may help you and your clinician identify patterns or possible triggers. Do not eliminate major food groups or stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.
Reduce Irritation
Depending on your triggers, avoiding overheating, tight clothing, or other factors that worsen symptoms may help. Individual triggers vary.
Follow-Up Care
Arrange medical review if hives recur, persist, worsen, or interfere with daily life. A clinician can reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Our Approach to Urticaria
At Lifero Skin & Hair Clinic, consultations may include a review of symptoms, medical history, medicines, and possible triggers. Assessment and treatment recommendations depend on each person's circumstances.
Evaluation and Diagnosis
A healthcare professional may ask when the hives began, how often they occur, how long individual welts last, and whether other symptoms appear. This helps guide assessment and decisions about whether further evaluation is needed.
Ongoing Support and Follow-Up
Follow-up can help assess response to treatment and determine whether the plan needs adjustment. Contact the clinic if you have questions or symptoms that are not improving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Urticaria, also called hives, is a skin condition in which itchy, raised welts appear on the skin.
Triggers vary and can include infections, medicines, physical factors such as heat or cold, and sometimes foods or other exposures. In many cases, a clear trigger is not identified.
Treatment depends on symptoms and medical history. Clinicians commonly recommend antihistamines and may consider other treatments for persistent or severe symptoms.
Individual hives often fade within 24 hours, though new ones may appear. Urticaria is generally considered chronic when it continues or recurs for more than six weeks.
Seek emergency medical help if hives occur with difficulty breathing, faintness, or swelling of the tongue or throat, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.