Skin
Medicines for Chronic urticaria
Itchy, raised weals (hives) that come and go for six weeks or more, often with no identifiable trigger — usually well controlled with antihistamines.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Chronic urticaria?
Urticaria (hives) is an itchy rash of raised weals that can appear anywhere on the body, often looking like nettle rash, with individual weals typically fading within 24 hours as new ones appear elsewhere. It may come with deeper swelling (angioedema), for example of the lips or eyelids.
- How it is treated: The mainstay of treatment is antihistamines, which reduce the itch and weals; higher or regular dosing (under medical advice) is often used for chronic urticaria, and it may be needed for months.
- Self-care: Avoiding known physical triggers (heat, cold, pressure or sunlight if relevant), keeping cool, using gentle skin care, avoiding things that worsen itch, and managing stress can help, alongside regular antihistamine treatment as advised.
- When to seek help: See a GP for hives lasting more than six weeks or not controlled by over-the-counter antihistamines.
What it is
Urticaria (hives) is an itchy rash of raised weals that can appear anywhere on the body, often looking like nettle rash, with individual weals typically fading within 24 hours as new ones appear elsewhere. It may come with deeper swelling (angioedema), for example of the lips or eyelids. When it lasts six weeks or more it is called chronic urticaria. In many chronic cases no specific trigger is found (it is thought to relate to the immune system releasing histamine), though some people have physical triggers such as pressure, heat, cold or sunlight. It is not usually a sign of a dangerous allergy, but it can be uncomfortable and persistent, affecting sleep and quality of life.
How it is treated
The mainstay of treatment is antihistamines, which reduce the itch and weals; higher or regular dosing (under medical advice) is often used for chronic urticaria, and it may be needed for months. Identifying and avoiding any clear triggers (such as certain physical stimuli) helps. When antihistamines alone are not enough, additional treatments — including specialist options such as targeted biologic injections — are effective for many people with difficult symptoms. Chronic urticaria often eventually settles on its own over months to a few years. Because most cases are not caused by allergy, extensive allergy testing is not usually needed unless the history suggests it.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Chronic urticaria
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Avoiding known physical triggers (heat, cold, pressure or sunlight if relevant), keeping cool, using gentle skin care, avoiding things that worsen itch, and managing stress can help, alongside regular antihistamine treatment as advised.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for hives lasting more than six weeks or not controlled by over-the-counter antihistamines. Call 999 for swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint (possible anaphylaxis).
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Chronic urticaria: frequently asked questions
What causes chronic hives?
In many chronic cases no specific trigger is found — it relates to the immune system releasing histamine. Some people have physical triggers such as pressure, heat, cold or sunlight. It is usually not caused by an allergy.
How is chronic urticaria treated?
Mainly with antihistamines, often at higher or regular doses under medical advice. If these are not enough, specialist treatments including targeted biologic injections help. It often eventually settles on its own.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Urticaria
- British Association of Dermatologists guidance
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