Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to Seek Medical CarePreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronicurticariais the medical term for long-termhives, or red, itchy welts on the skin, lasting six weeks or longer.This condition affects about 1% of people in the United States (U.S.).
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), also known as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), is the medical term for long-term hives when the cause of hives is unknown.
Learn about chronic urticaria, its symptoms, causes, and how to prevent it.
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Chronic Urticaria SymptomsItchingBumpsRednessSwellingPain
Chronic Urticaria Symptoms
ItchingBumpsRednessSwellingPain
Potential Complications
Chronicurticariacan be uncomfortable, but this condition is generally not dangerous. It can, however, cause severe complications and, in some cases, may be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition, such as anautoimmune disease(a disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells).
Some potential complications of chronic urticaria include:
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
There are multiple causes of chronic urticaria, such as infection, stress, or autoimmune diseases.
In 95% of chronic hive cases, however, the cause is unknown. These cases are known as chronicidiopathicurticaria (CIU) or chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
Chronic Urticaria CausesInfection (this usually causes acute urticaria but can become chronic urticaria if immune dysregulation takes place)Temperature (extreme heat or change in temperature)StressAutoimmune diseases
Chronic Urticaria Causes
Infection (this usually causes acute urticaria but can become chronic urticaria if immune dysregulation takes place)Temperature (extreme heat or change in temperature)StressAutoimmune diseases
A healthcare providerdiagnoses chronic urticariaafter having a detailed conversation, completing a skin exam, and ruling out other potential causes of the hives, includinganaphylacticreactions.Hives lasting for six weeks or more are diagnosed as chronic or long-term urticaria, while hives present for less than six weeks are diagnosed as acute or short-term urticaria.
Hives aretreatedwith medications to lessen the itch and relieve discomfort.There are also ways to prevent and improve symptoms at home, such as applying cold compresses to the affected skin.Stress managementcan help with treatment, as increased stress can worsen hives. Long-term hives can also cause more stress, leading to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Chronic Urticaria TreatmentsTaking medications, such asantihistaminesRelieving stressPrioritizing comfort (loose clothing, cooler temperature)Keeping nails trimmed and short to prevent scratching and the ongoing itch/scratch cycle (itching that leads to aggravating the skin barrier, which then leads to welts, and then worsens the itch)Moisturizing skin with unscented emollients (moisturizers) to help reduce the itch
Chronic Urticaria Treatments
Taking medications, such asantihistaminesRelieving stressPrioritizing comfort (loose clothing, cooler temperature)Keeping nails trimmed and short to prevent scratching and the ongoing itch/scratch cycle (itching that leads to aggravating the skin barrier, which then leads to welts, and then worsens the itch)Moisturizing skin with unscented emollients (moisturizers) to help reduce the itch
When to See a Healthcare Provider
There are ways to prevent chronic urticaria, including keeping your skin moisturized, avoiding extreme heat, and taking medications if necessary.When the hives are related to an autoimmune condition, it can help to seek treatment for the autoimmune disease to manage symptoms, including hives.In addition, since stress can increase the risk of chronic urticaria, regular relaxation and stress relief practices can also help prevent hives.
Summary
Chronic urticaria, or long-term hives, is a medical condition in which hives last six weeks or more. Symptoms include red, itchy welts on the skin. While this condition is uncomfortable, it is generally not dangerous. However, it can lead to complications such as mental health challenges and compromised quality of life.
A Word From Verywell
Suspecting, being diagnosed with, and living with chronic urticaria or hives can be uncomfortable and interfere with daily life. Treatment options are available and can relieve symptoms until they go away. If you or someone you know is experiencing hives, help is available. Reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a primary healthcare provider, for support.
Frequently Asked QuestionsChronic urticaria is long-term hives lasting six weeks or more. Idiopathic urticaria or spontaneous urticaria is hives without a known cause. Chronic urticaria is often idiopathic or without a known cause, but that is not always the case.There is no known cure for hives. Medications for chronic hives treat the symptoms and lessen the reaction rather than cure the condition. Hives tend to go away after a few months, though they can last years before going away.No, chronic hives or urticaria is not an autoimmune disease. However, there is a link between chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), or long-term hives without a known cause, and autoimmune disease. Some data suggests that nearly half of people with CSU have an autoimmune disease.No, chronic urticaria is not contagious. It can not be transmitted from person to person, like a cold or the flu.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.
Chronic urticaria is long-term hives lasting six weeks or more. Idiopathic urticaria or spontaneous urticaria is hives without a known cause. Chronic urticaria is often idiopathic or without a known cause, but that is not always the case.
There is no known cure for hives. Medications for chronic hives treat the symptoms and lessen the reaction rather than cure the condition. Hives tend to go away after a few months, though they can last years before going away.
No, chronic hives or urticaria is not an autoimmune disease. However, there is a link between chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), or long-term hives without a known cause, and autoimmune disease. Some data suggests that nearly half of people with CSU have an autoimmune disease.
No, chronic urticaria is not contagious. It can not be transmitted from person to person, like a cold or the flu.
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.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.Alen Coutinho I, Regateiro FS, Fernandes RA, et al.Refractory chronic urticaria in adults: clinical characterization and predictors of severity.Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2020;16(1):97. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00496-0American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: overview.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.National Health Services.Urticaria (hives).American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.Schaefer P.Acute and chronic urticaria: evaluation and treatment.AFP. 2017;95(11):717-724.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.Williams KW, Sharma HP.Anaphylaxis and urticaria.Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015;35(1):199-219. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.010Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019;0. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.Alen Coutinho I, Regateiro FS, Fernandes RA, et al.Refractory chronic urticaria in adults: clinical characterization and predictors of severity.Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2020;16(1):97. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00496-0American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: overview.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.National Health Services.Urticaria (hives).American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.Schaefer P.Acute and chronic urticaria: evaluation and treatment.AFP. 2017;95(11):717-724.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.Williams KW, Sharma HP.Anaphylaxis and urticaria.Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015;35(1):199-219. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.010Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019;0. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.Alen Coutinho I, Regateiro FS, Fernandes RA, et al.Refractory chronic urticaria in adults: clinical characterization and predictors of severity.Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2020;16(1):97. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00496-0American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: overview.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.National Health Services.Urticaria (hives).American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.Schaefer P.Acute and chronic urticaria: evaluation and treatment.AFP. 2017;95(11):717-724.American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.Williams KW, Sharma HP.Anaphylaxis and urticaria.Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015;35(1):199-219. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.010Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019;0. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Hives (urticaria) and angioedema overview.
Alen Coutinho I, Regateiro FS, Fernandes RA, et al.Refractory chronic urticaria in adults: clinical characterization and predictors of severity.Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology. 2020;16(1):97. doi:10.1186/s13223-020-00496-0
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: overview.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.
National Health Services.Urticaria (hives).
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.
Schaefer P.Acute and chronic urticaria: evaluation and treatment.AFP. 2017;95(11):717-724.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 ways to get relief from chronic hives.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) overview.
Williams KW, Sharma HP.Anaphylaxis and urticaria.Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015;35(1):199-219. doi:10.1016/j.iac.2014.09.010
Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019;0. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627
Bracken SJ, Abraham S, MacLeod AS.Autoimmune theories of chronic spontaneous urticaria.Front Immunol. 2019. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2019.00627
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