Urticaria (Hives): When the Skin Talks in Red Whispers
It comes out of nowhere—a red, raised rash that itches like crazy. Maybe it disappears in hours, maybe it lingers. You try to pinpoint a cause, but the mystery continues. This is the world of urticaria, commonly known as hives.
At SkinWise Clinic, we know how frustrating, unpredictable, and disruptive hives can be—and we’re here to help your skin find peace again.
What Is Urticaria?
Urticaria is a skin condition marked by sudden, itchy, raised welts or bumps—called wheals—that appear and fade within hours. These welts can vary in size and location and are usually red or skin-colored.
Sometimes hives are a one-time event. Sometimes, they return daily. That’s when they need deeper attention.
What Does It Look Like?
Raised, red or pale welts (can look like mosquito bites)
Itching or burning sensation
Can appear anywhere: face, arms, legs, trunk—even lips or eyelids
Lesions often change shape, size, and position rapidly
Each bump usually lasts less than 24 hours but new ones may appear
Types of Urticaria
⏱ Acute Urticaria
Lasts less than 6 weeks
Often due to infections, medications, or food triggers
📆 Chronic Urticaria
Persists beyond 6 weeks
May have no clear cause (called chronic spontaneous urticaria)
Triggered by pressure, cold, heat, exercise, or stress (chronic inducible urticaria)
⚠️ Angioedema
Swelling of deeper layers, often in lips, eyelids, or throat
Can occur with or without hives
Needs urgent care if breathing is affected
What Causes Urticaria?
It occurs when mast cells in the skin release histamine, causing swelling and itch. Triggers can include:
Certain foods (nuts, seafood, eggs)
Medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
Infections (viral, bacterial, parasitic)
Insect bites or stings
Pressure, temperature change, sun exposure
Stress
Autoimmune causes (especially in chronic urticaria)
Is It Dangerous?
Most hives are not life-threatening, but angioedema or anaphylaxis (severe allergy) can be medical emergencies.
Even when not dangerous, chronic urticaria can affect sleep, concentration, and quality of life—which is why proper diagnosis and care are crucial.
Treatment at SkinWise Clinic
We treat hives with a layered approach, focusing on control, comfort, and clarity:
✅ First-Line Relief
Non-sedating antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine)
Doubling or tripling dose in chronic cases (under supervision)
🧴 Topical Comfort
Soothing moisturisers or calamine lotions (for mild episodes)
💊 Second-Line Options
Montelukast (for added control)
Short-term steroids (for severe flares)
💉 Advanced Therapy
Omalizumab (anti-IgE biologic) for chronic, treatment-resistant urticaria
🧪 Investigations (if needed)
Autoimmune screening
Allergy testing
Thyroid or infection panels in persistent or atypical cases
Living with Urticaria
Avoid known triggers if identified
Wear loose, breathable clothing
Keep a symptom diary
Don’t self-medicate with frequent steroids
Seek medical help early—especially if swelling affects breathing or the tongue