Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
About 2% to 5% of people experience pressure urticaria, either immediate or delayed.
Learn more about pressure urticaria, the types, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more.
Types of Pressure Urticaria
Immediate
Immediate pressure urticaria is when hives appear on the skin within a few minutes of experiencing pressure, usually in about five to seven minutes.This condition is also calleddermatographism. It can happen from rubbing or scratching in addition to pressure on the skin. Hives typically go away quickly, usually within a half-hour after they appear.
Delayed
Delayed pressure urticaria (DPU) is when hives appear on the skin a few hours after experiencing pressure, usually in about four to eight hours.The hives tend to go away within eight hours to two days.Medications generally used to treat hives,antihistamines, may not work if you have delayed pressure urticaria, but some research has shown that avoidingglutencan help.
Pressure Urticaria Symptoms
Symptoms of pressure urticaria are similar to those of otherurticariatypes. They include itchy bumps on the skin in the areas that experience prolonged pressure.People with pressure hives may also experience other symptoms, such as fatigue.
Symptoms of Pressure UrticariaAches in other areas of the bodyBumpsFatigueItchingPain in the area of the hivesRednessSwelling
Symptoms of Pressure Urticaria
Aches in other areas of the bodyBumpsFatigueItchingPain in the area of the hivesRednessSwelling
Pressure Urticaria Causes
The name pressure urticaria comes from its cause: prolonged pressure on the skin. This can come from wearing tight, constrictive clothing, carrying heavy items, or from body weight pressing down on a surface.People with pressure hives are more likely to get them on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, shoulders, and back, as these areas are the most likely to endure pressure.
Causes of Pressure UrticariaBody weight resting on a surface, such as laying or sitting for an extended period of timeCarrying heavy objects, such as a boxSomething heavy resting on the body, such as a heavy backpackWearing constrictive clothing, including belts, or arm or waistbands, or tight shoes
Causes of Pressure Urticaria
Body weight resting on a surface, such as laying or sitting for an extended period of timeCarrying heavy objects, such as a boxSomething heavy resting on the body, such as a heavy backpackWearing constrictive clothing, including belts, or arm or waistbands, or tight shoes
Causes and Risk Factors of Urticaria (Hives)
Pressure Urticaria TreatmentsAvoiding excess pressure on the skinApplying cold washcloths or iceEating a gluten-free dietTaking medications (though antihistamines may not be effective in treating delayed pressure urticaria)Wearing loose clothing
Pressure Urticaria Treatments
Avoiding excess pressure on the skinApplying cold washcloths or iceEating a gluten-free dietTaking medications (though antihistamines may not be effective in treating delayed pressure urticaria)Wearing loose clothing
Summary
Immediate pressure hives appear in about five to seven minutes, while delayed pressure hives can take four to eight hours. Unlike other types of hives, your healthcare provider can perform a test to determine whether you have pressure hives.
Treatment options include using home remedies to relieve the discomfort, such as applying ice or cold compresses, taking medications, and eating a gluten-free diet.
A Word From Verywell
Pressure urticaria can be uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities. While this condition is unpleasant, it is not dangerous and is temporary. If you or someone you know is experiencing pressure hives, help is available. Reach out to your healthcare provider for support.
Frequently Asked QuestionsImmediate pressure urticaria, or hives that appear within a few minutes of experiencing pressure, usually go away within 30 minutes. Delayed pressure urticaria, or hives that occur after a few hours of experiencing pressure, tend to last longer. They typically go away within 48 hours.About 2% to 5% of people experience pressure urticaria, either immediate or delayed.Yes, pressure urticaria does away. Pressure hives that appear immediately after pressure usually go away within 30 minutes, while delayed hives typically go away within 48 hours. However, people with this condition may experience symptoms on and off for years.
Immediate pressure urticaria, or hives that appear within a few minutes of experiencing pressure, usually go away within 30 minutes. Delayed pressure urticaria, or hives that occur after a few hours of experiencing pressure, tend to last longer. They typically go away within 48 hours.
Yes, pressure urticaria does away. Pressure hives that appear immediately after pressure usually go away within 30 minutes, while delayed hives typically go away within 48 hours. However, people with this condition may experience symptoms on and off for years.
6 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 College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatographism.Global Allergy and Airways.Physical urticaria.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Current treatment options in delayed pressure urticaria.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis and treatment.
6 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 College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatographism.Global Allergy and Airways.Physical urticaria.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Current treatment options in delayed pressure urticaria.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis and treatment.
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 College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatographism.Global Allergy and Airways.Physical urticaria.American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Current treatment options in delayed pressure urticaria.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis and treatment.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Hives.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Urticaria.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatographism.
Global Allergy and Airways.Physical urticaria.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Current treatment options in delayed pressure urticaria.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: diagnosis and treatment.
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