Urticaria
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a common skin condition characterised by raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body.
The rash can vary in size and shape, from small patches to larger areas, and may appear suddenly before resolving within hours or days.
Urticaria can be acute (short-term) or chronic, depending on how long symptoms persist.
At The London Skin and Hair Clinic, Consultant Dermatologists assess urticaria to identify potential triggers and advise on appropriate treatment. Patients seeking dermatology advice in London can access specialist assessment.
Urticaria is also known as hives, welts or nettle rash
High levels of histamine in the skin lead to the onset of urticaria
Consuming alcohol or caffeine, along with exposure to warm temperatures and high levels of stress can worsen the symptoms of hives
Treatment may be with antihistamines or topical creams
What causes Urticaria?
Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals in the skin, leading to swelling and inflammation.
This reaction can be triggered by a range of factors, although in many cases no specific cause is identified.
Common triggers include:
- allergic reactions (for example foods, medications or insect stings)
- infections
- physical triggers such as heat, cold or pressure
- stress
Chronic urticaria may be linked to autoimmune processes, where the immune system reacts inappropriately without a clear external trigger.
Who is at risk of Urticaria?
Urticaria can affect people of all ages.
It may be more common in individuals with:
- a history of allergies
- autoimmune conditions
- recent infections
Both acute and chronic forms can occur, although most cases are short-lived.
What are the symptoms of Urticaria?
Urticaria symptoms are usually visible on the skin and can change rapidly.
Common features include:
- raised, red or skin-coloured welts (hives)
- itching, which can be intense
- swelling that may vary in size and location
The rash may appear and disappear within hours and can move to different areas of the body.
In some cases, deeper swelling (angioedema) may occur, affecting areas such as the lips, eyelids or hands.
Urticaria symptoms can be worsened by heat, alcohol, stress or certain foods.
Images of Urticaria
These images are kindly provided by DermNetNZ.org for non-commercial use, for the purpose of education and information. The images have not been modified and DermNetNZ do not endorse The London Skin and Hair Clinic. You can find a copy of the license at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/nz/.
How do Dermatologists diagnose Urticaria?
A dermatologist will diagnose urticaria through clinical examination and medical history.
Identifying potential triggers is an important part of the assessment.
In some cases, further investigations such as blood tests or allergy testing may be recommended to rule out underlying causes.
How is Urticaria treated and managed?
Treatment of urticaria focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing the frequency of flare-ups.
Many cases of acute urticaria resolve on their own within a few days.
Where treatment is required, options may include:
- antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling
- short courses of medication in more severe cases
- identifying and avoiding known triggers
For chronic urticaria, ongoing management may be required to control symptoms effectively.