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Hives — also called urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) — is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts. Chronic hives are welts that last for more than six weeks and return often over months or years. Often, the cause of chronic hives isn't clear.
The welts often start as itchy patches that turn into swollen welts that vary in size. These welts appear and fade at random as the reaction runs its course.
Chronic hives can be very uncomfortable and interfere with ...
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Symptoms of chronic hives include:
The welts that come with hives are caused by the release of immune system chemicals, such as histamine, into your bloodstream. It's often not known why chronic hives happen or why short-term hives sometimes turn into a long-term problem.
The skin reaction may be triggered by:
Treatment for chronic hives often starts with nonprescription anti-itch drugs (antihistamines). If these don't help, your health care provider might suggest that you try one or more of these treatments:
Prescription anti-itch drugs. The usual treatment for chronic hives is prescription antihistamine pills that don't make you drowsy. These drugs ease itching, swelling and other allergy symptoms. Daily use of these drugs helps block the symptom-producing release of histamine. Examples include:...
To lower your likelihood of experiencing hives or angioedema, take the following precautions:
For informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
© Mayo Clinic
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