Learn about chronic urticaria, its symptoms, causes, and how to prevent it.
In 95% of chronic hive cases, however, the cause is unknown.
These cases are known as chronicidiopathicurticaria (CIU) or chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).
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Long-term hives can also cause more stress, leading to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Symptoms include red, itchy welts on the skin.
While this condition is uncomfortable, it is generally not dangerous.
However, it can lead to complications such as mental health challenges and compromised quality of life.
This condition may be sparked by temperature, stress, autoimmune disease, or may be unknown.
Treatment options are available and can relieve symptoms until they go away.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hives, help is available.
Reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a primary healthcare provider, for support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic urticaria is long-term hives lasting six weeks or more.
Idiopathic urticaria or spontaneous urticaria is hives without a known cause.
Chronic urticaria is often idiopathic or without a known cause, but that is not always the case.
There is no known cure for hives.
Medications for chronic hives treat the symptoms and lessen the reaction rather than cure the condition.
Hives tend to go away after a few months, though they can last years before going away.
No, chronic hives or urticaria is not an autoimmune disease.
Some data suggests that nearly half of people with CSU have an autoimmune disease.
No, chronic urticaria is not contagious.
It can not be transmitted from person to person, like a cold or the flu.
Urticaria, or hives, must last at least six weeks to be considered chronic or long-term.
There are treatments, such as medications, to manage the symptoms and provide relief.
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