Living With Chronic Urticaria: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Chronic urticaria, or hives, is marked by red, itchy welts that persist for more than six weeks, often without a known cause.
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Health | Skin Conditions | Chronic Illness | Chronic Hives | Urticaria Treatment | Skin Allergy | Itch Relief
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Chronic Urticaria FAQ


Image credit: healthjade.net

Is chronic idiopathic urticaria life threatening?

Chronic idiopathic urticaria is an unpleasant condition, but it’s not life threatening. Treatment with antihistamines or other medications will usually clear it up. But it may reappear when treatment is stopped. You should see your doctor if you have a severe case of hives, or if they last for several days.

What is chronic spontaneous urticaria?

Chronic spontaneous urticaria refers to chronic urticaria that has no specific cause or trigger. Weals are present on most days of the week for 6 weeks or more. Chronic spontaneous urticaria was previously referred to as chronic idiopathic urticaria. This term is no longer used as many cases have an autoimmune basis. Who gets chronic urticaria?

What are the symptoms of chronic urticaria?

Chronic urticaria symptoms consist of red, itchy welts on the skin, sometimes accompanied by swelling or pain. Symptoms are considered chronic even if they come and go, so long as they are present for at least six weeks. Chronic urticaria can be uncomfortable, but this condition is generally not dangerous.

How long does urticaria last?

Urticaria, or hives, must last at least six weeks to be considered chronic or long-term. It can last months or years before it goes away, and there is no way of knowing how long it will last. There are treatments, such as medications, to manage the symptoms and provide relief.

What is chronic urticaria?

Chronic urticaria is defined as daily itchy wealing of the skin for more than six weeks. Chronic urticaria may be spontaneous or inducible, which may co-exist. See more images of urticaria. Who gets chronic urticaria? Chronic urticaria can affect children and adults. Chronic inducible urticaria is more common than chronic spontaneous urticaria.

What causes chronic spontaneous urticaria?

However, a specific reason for urticaria is often not found. Chronic spontaneous urticaria may be autoimmune, the patient’s own antibodies that release histamine from mast cells. Tests for autoimmune urticaria are not routinely available and generally do not alter treatment. When a cause cannot be found, it is called ‘idiopathic’.

Chronic Urticaria References

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