PG
1
1
Mild severity
· Dermatology
Urticaria
Hives · Itchy welts
Mast cells release histamine and raise itchy welts that come and go. Acute attacks usually resolve in 6 weeks; chronic urticaria needs daily anti-histamines.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Up to 20% lifetime risk
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Curable
- System
- Skin
Reviewed by a verified Dermatology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Foods (nuts, shellfish, dyes)
- Drugs (antibiotics, NSAIDs)
- Infection (viral, parasitic)
- Heat, cold, pressure
- Autoimmune (chronic cases)
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Raised pink wheals, itch
- Each lesion lasts under 24 hours
- Lip or eyelid swelling (angioedema)
- Throat tightness — emergency
- Random sites and timings
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Daily non-sedating anti-histamine, up-titrated
- Add H2-blocker or leukotriene blocker
- Omalizumab for refractory chronic urticaria
- Adrenaline for laryngeal angioedema
- Identify and avoid triggers
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Cool, breathable clothing
- Note suspected food/drug triggers
- Stress and sleep management
- Yearly review if chronic
Do’s
- Take antihistamine daily, even on good days
- Carry an adrenaline pen if at risk
- Use cool compresses for relief
- Log triggers in a diary
Don’ts
- Take aspirin if NSAIDs suspected
- Stop antihistamine after 2 good days
- Use hot showers — worsens itch
- Self-prescribe oral steroids long term
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all dermatology doctors Top 4 doctors for Urticaria
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.