Hives (Urticaria)

Hives (urticaria) are itchy, red, raised welts that can appear suddenly anywhere on the skin. They may come and go within hours, or persist for weeks. For some people, hives are short-lived and resolve quickly. But for others, chronic urticaria can last for months or even years, significantly affecting sleep, comfort, and quality of life. At DermLab, our Dermatologists provide accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment to help patients control hives and prevent flares.

Causes & Triggers

  • Acute urticaria (lasting < 6 weeks): often linked to infections, medications, or occasionally food reactions

  • Chronic urticaria (lasting > 6 weeks): usually not allergy-related — caused by an overactive immune system

  • Common triggers: heat, pressure on the skin, exercise, stress, infections, or certain medications

  • Rarely, urticaria is part of a more serious allergic reaction — if hives occur with breathing difficulty, swelling of the tongue/throat, or dizziness, it requires urgent medical care

Symptoms of Hives

  • Raised, itchy welts or 'wheals' that may change in shape or location

  • Red or skin-coloured swelling, often surrounded by redness

  • Individual welts typically last less than 24 hours but may recur daily

  • In some cases, associated swelling of lips, eyelids, or hands (angioedema)

Treatment at DermLab

  • Antihistamines — the first-line treatment, often at higher doses than over-the-counter regimens

  • Short courses of oral corticosteroids — for severe flares

  • Advanced therapies — including injectable biologics for resistant chronic urticaria

  • Trigger management & education — identifying and avoiding common aggravating factors

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Most cases of chronic urticaria are not allergy-related but caused by immune system overactivity.

  • Acute hives often resolve in days to weeks. Chronic hives can last months or years but usually improve with proper treatment.

  • If hives are persistent, severe, disrupting sleep, or not improving with standard antihistamines, a Dermatologist should be involved.

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