Hives (Urticaria)

Urticaria is a skin rash with wheals, which are skin reactions similar to mosquito bites, and heavy itching. Usually the wheals disappear within hours, but in a small per cent of patients it can become a chronic disease for months or years.

Urticaria can be caused by food, drugs, infections, insects or physical factors such as rubbing, pressure or coldness. The cause for chronic urticaria often remains unknown.

A careful history with physical examination and perhaps skin and blood tests are important. Depending on the severity, frequency and duration of the disease and the influence on the patient’s life quality, an individual treatment can be determined.