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Hives (Urticaria)

Hives (urticaria) are a common skin condition that produce an itchy rash (welts or wheals).

Urticaria

Causes & Symptoms

Hives (urticaria) are a common skin condition that produce an itchy rash (welts or wheals). It affects 1 in 5 people, and is more likely to affect people with other skin conditions such as eczema.

Depending on the duration of the Hives (urticaria) they are usually classified as either acute of chronic:

Acute Urticaria (lasts for less than 6 weeks):

  • Viral Infection
  • Bacterial Infection
  • Food Allergy
  • Drug Allergy
  • Food additives or preservatives
  • Insect stings

Chronic Urticaria (lasts for more than 6 weeks):

  • Chronic Infection
  • Physical triggers such as pressure, heat, sunlight, sweat, cold and water
  • Autoimmune conditions such as thyroid or connective tissue condition
  • Due to a disease which arises spontaneously

Usually a cause is never found.  So called cases of ‘idiopathic urticaria’ make up more than half of all who suffer with chronic urticaria.

Treatment

All dermatologists at the Skin Hospital are highly trained to treat this condition. Your specialist will ask you detailed questions to understand whether there are any obvious triggers for your hives. Often no tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests may sometimes be needed to look for underlying causes and to distinguish urticaria from other conditions (especially if wheals are present for over 24 hours at a time). A skin biopsy is not normally needed, but may be requested to rule out other causes.

Further information

If you would like any further information about hives, the sites listed provide more in-depth descriptions.

Hives (Urticaria)

Find a specialist

We have a number of Dermatologists specialising in hives.  If you are concerned, book your appointment with The Skin Hospital.

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