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Urticaria (Hives)

An allergic reaction characterized by sudden skin wheals and severe itching.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Urticaria (Hives)?

Urticaria (hives) are wheals formed by the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances from mast cells in the superficial layers of the skin. These wheals can disappear within a few hours, but new lesions may continue to form.

Acute urticaria lasting less than 6 weeks is usually caused by food, medication, or infection. The majority of chronic urticaria lasting longer than 6 weeks is autoimmune in origin, and identifying the trigger can be difficult.

Angioedema is a form of urticaria that affects deeper skin layers; it causes swelling in the lips, eyelids, and larynx. Laryngeal involvement can be an emergency due to breathing difficulty.

Symptoms

Sudden pink-red wheals on the skin
Intense itching and burning sensation
Lesions that shift and resolve within 24 hours then reappear
Swelling of lips, eyelids, or tongue (angioedema)
Abdominal pain and nausea (systemic involvement)
Shortness of breath (angioedema with laryngeal involvement — emergency!)
Worsening of symptoms with stress or heat

Risk Factors

Food allergies (peanuts, shellfish, eggs)
Drug reactions (penicillin, aspirin, NSAIDs)
Bee or insect stings
Viral infections
Autoimmune diseases (in chronic urticaria)
Stress and excessive exercise
Contact with latex and chemicals

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When swelling develops in lips, tongue, or throat (EMERGENCY)
  • If there is shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing (EMERGENCY)
  • If symptoms cannot be controlled with antihistamines
  • When urticaria lasts longer than 6 weeks
  • When accompanied by low blood pressure or fainting sensation

Treatment Methods

01
Oral antihistamines (first-line treatment — non-sedating types preferred)
02
Identifying and avoiding the trigger
03
Adrenaline (epinephrine) injection in severe reactions
04
Corticosteroids (short-term, for severe flare-ups)
05
Omalizumab (anti-IgE biologic) in chronic resistant cases
06
Training for carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for angioedema

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.