Try to keep cool, avoid hot showers, and wear loose, comfortable clothing. In most cases, an effective treatment can be found.Įvidence suggests that certain factors - such as heat, tight clothing and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - can worsen chronic hives. If antihistamines don’t control the hives, your doctor may prescribe treatment with omalizumab (Xolair), an injectable medicine that’s usually given once a month. Medications such as corticosteroids or histamine (H2) blockers also are possibilities. He or she may increase your dose or try a different kind of antihistamine. If this doesn’t work for you, be sure to tell your doctor. Common examples include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), fexofenadine (Allegra) or cetirizine (Zyrtec). Providing your hives aren’t complicated by any additional signs and symptoms, and they can’t be explained by any recent changes in your life, your doctor may recommend starting treatment with an over-the-counter nondrowsy antihistamine every day. If the pattern of your symptoms is consistent with chronic hives, your doctor will want to know if you’ve started any new medications, traveled recently, or had any infections or other illnesses that might be contributing to the hives. If your physical exam and medical history suggest there might be an underlying problem causing the hives, your doctor may recommend additional testing, such as blood tests or skin tests. Your doctor also will want to know how often they appear, how long they last, whether you have any painful swelling, and if you have any other signs and symptoms, such as fever, unintentional weight loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, or pain in your abdomen, bones or joints. This may mean seeing your doctor when the hives show up. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will want to examine your hives. And while anaphylaxis requires emergency care, chronic hives don’t put you at any sudden risk. Signs and symptoms may also include swelling of your tongue or throat, breathing problems, and vomiting. While it’s possible for chronic hives to be associated with an underlying illness, such as an infection, autoimmune disorder or certain cancers, this is pretty rare.Ī sudden onset of hives can be part of a serious allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis). People with chronic hives often are anxious that the hives may be a sign of a serious problem. Up to 90 percent of cases remain unexplained - no external factor or contributing disease can be pinpointed as the cause. One of the biggest sources of frustration with chronic hives is wondering what’s causing them. Signs and symptoms tend to flare up with heat, exercise or stress. Itching can be severe and may be accompanied by painful swelling. They can interfere with sleep, work and other activities. Chronic hives can go on for months and even years. The hives seem to come and go with no clear pattern - fading over the course of a day or two and then reappearing in a different location a few days later.Īnyone can develop chronic hives, but they’re more common in middle-aged women. Acute hives go away within a few weeks and are usually effectively treated with antihistamines.Ĭhronic hives are different in that they persist for more than six weeks. A sudden onset of hives (acute hives) usually has an identifiable cause or trigger - such as insect stings or bites, medications, certain foods, allergens, or infections. Hives (urticaria) are raised, red or white itchy welts on your skin. What could be causing this? How is it treated?ĪNSWER: What you may be experiencing is chronic hives. These have shown up every now and then over the past few months, and now they seem worse than usual. DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I woke up this morning with itchy, red welts covering my arms and legs.
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