Overview
Hives — also called urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) — is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts. Chronic hives are welts that last for more than six weeks and return often over months or years. Often, the cause of chronic hives isn’t clear.
The welts often start as itchy patches that turn into swollen welts that vary in size. These welts appear and fade at random as the reaction runs its course. Each individual welt typically lasts less than 24 hours.
Chronic hives can be very uncomfortable and interfere with sleep and daily activities. For many people, anti-itch medicines, called antihistamines, provide relief.
Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic hives include:
- Batches of welts, called weals, that can arise anywhere on the body.
- Welts that might be red, purple or skin-colored, depending on your skin color.
- Welts that vary in size, change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly.
- Itchiness, also called pruritus, which can be intense.
- Painful swelling, called angioedema, around the eyes, cheeks or lips.
- Flares triggered by heat, exercise or stress.
- Symptoms that persist for more than six weeks and recur often and anytime, sometimes for months or years.
When to see a doctor
See a healthcare professional if you have severe hives or hives that last for more than a few days.
Seek emergency medical care
Chronic hives do not put you at sudden risk of a serious allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis. If you get hives as part of a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency care. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include dizziness, trouble breathing, and swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth or throat.
