What is Chronic Urticaria? FAQ

Question 1

What is urticaria (hives)?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria is also known as hives. Hives are a rash that causes round, swollen areas on the skin. They often have very itchy skin and can sometimes be painful.

Question 2

What’s the difference between hives and chronic hives?

Accepted Answer

There are two types of hives: acute and chronic urticaria. Hives that appear for a short period of time are called acute hives. They can last less than a day, or up to six weeks.

Chronic hives last longer – 6 weeks or more. Sometimes they go away for a period of time and then come back. There are different types of chronic hives.

Question 3

What are chronic hives?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hives occur most days of the week for more than six weeks. People may experience symptoms on their whole body or in one particular area of the body.

Question 4

How common is chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Chronic urticaria is a rare condition.  More than 500,000 people live with chronic urticaria in the United States. It occurs in 0.23% (or 23 out of every 10,000) of people. However, there are estimates that rates of chronic urticaria may be higher since many times people do not report or recognize symptoms.

Question 5

What causes chronic urticaria (CU)?

Accepted Answer

Urticaria is caused by a release of histamine and other mediators. When this release happens in the outer layers of the skin, it results in hives. Most of the time, it is a case of acute hives, which resolves quickly. But the hives can become chronic.

Question 6

What are some common triggers for chronic hives?

Accepted Answer

Common triggers for chronic hives usually involve external factors: Changes in body temperature – this can result from exposure to heat or cold. Pressure from tight clothing rubbing against the skin. Certain diseases including asthma, Celiac disease, diabetes, lupus, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, vasculitis and vitiligo. In rare cases, common triggers for acute or short-term hives can lead to chronic hives. These triggers may involve: Viral or bacterial infections (such as strep throat or COVID-19). Allergens to food, certain medications, pollen, insect venom, animal dander or saliva, and latex. Exposure to poison ivy or poison oak. Alcohol. Certain types of drugs, including antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Question 7

What does chronic urticaria look like?

Accepted Answer

Chronic urticaria appears as red, raised bumps or circular welts on people with light skin. In people with skin of color, the hives may not appear red. Rather, they may match the color of the surrounding skin. They may also appear as slightly lighter or darker.

Question 8

What are the symptoms of chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Red, raised bumps or circular welts on people with white skin. Raised bumps or circular welts on people with skin of color that either… match the skin color of the surrounding skin; appear as slightly darker than the skin color; appear as slightly lighter than the skin color. Skin often feels itchy, tender or sometimes painful to the touch.

Question 9

How long do symptoms of chronic urticaria last?

Accepted Answer

Chronic urticaria can last from 6 weeks to years. They can last for weeks at a time, go away for a while, and then come back later. This can go on for years.

Question 10

How is chronic urticaria diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

It may be difficult for you and your healthcare team to determine what’s causing your chronic urticaria. To aid in the diagnosis, you’ll likely need to see a board-certified allergist or dermatologist.

Question 11

What is the treatment for chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Chronic urticaria is not a life-long condition; it usually goes away by itself over a period of weeks, months or even years. It may not be possible to get rid of chronic hives simply by avoiding triggers. Sometimes you may not know the trigger at all. In these cases, disease management focuses on the most appropriate treatment to control symptoms. The first line of treatment for most cases of chronic urticaria is a long-lasting antihistamine. It’s best to create a treatment plan with your allergist, dermatologist or primary care doctor.

Question 12

What’s the best treatment to reduce itching?

Accepted Answer

The best treatment is the one that is most effective in reducing or eliminating hives and controlling the itch. It could be antihistamines, topical or oral corticosteroids, a biologic or another medication. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you. Combine prescription medications with at-home remedies.

Question 13

Are there any home remedies for chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Home remedies that can be used to treat hives include the following: Apply a cool cloth to the area of the hives or take a cool bath. This can relieve the skin and reduce itching. Some people find relief from colloidal oatmeal baths. Colloidal oatmeal can be expensive, so another option is to put oatmeal in an old sock or nylon stocking. Tie a knot in the sock to keep the oatmeal from coming out. Use air conditioning to keep yourself cool. Wear loose-fitting clothing to let the skin breathe and reduce irritation from rubbing against fabrics. Choose clothing that is less likely to irritate your skin, such as cotton or smooth fabrics. Wool, linen, denim or fabrics with a texture or nap can bother sensitive skin. Avoid scratching the itchy hives. For children, it can help to put socks over their hands (you can make it fun like sock puppets.) For adults, look for distractions from itching and keep your hands busy. Consider meditation, deep breathing and guided imagery to reduce the stress and anxiety from the discomfort of hives. Consider aloe vera lotion which can provide relief from itching. Some supplements may help. These include vitamins B-12, C, and D, fish oil and quercetin. Discuss any home remedies with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.

Question 14

What can healthcare professionals do to be most helpful to people dealing with chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

The first helpful thing that a healthcare professional can do is listen. Allow patients with chronic urticaria to express their concerns and share their experiences. Work with the patient to make shared decisions about treatments and care. This helps create a management plan that the patient can follow. It allows them to live their daily life with as few symptoms as possible.

Question 15

How can patients talk to their doctor about chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Come prepared to your doctor appointments to discuss your condition in detail. Don’t be hesitant to explain how the symptoms are affecting you.

Question 16

How can I prevent chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

One way is to learn what triggers your chronic urticaria and try to avoid them. In some cases of chronic urticaria, such as heat, cold or water, avoidance is not possible. Speak with your doctor about prevention strategies and medications.

Question 17

What foods trigger chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Foods do not usually trigger chronic urticaria, except in rare cases. They can trigger acute or short-term hives, however.

Question 18

Is there a chronic urticaria diet?

Accepted Answer

Many people and doctors recommend a low-histamine diet for chronic hives. Low-histamine foods include: Most vegetables, Fresh meat, Certain varieties of fresh fish (including salmon, cod and trout), Dairy products (except cheese and yogurt), Bread, Pasta, Rice. Foods to avoid include: Vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes and eggplant, Fruits, such as strawberries and cherries, Preserved meats, Canned, frozen, and smoked fish (including tuna, anchovies and sardines), Cheese and yogurt, Fermented foods, Fast food, Seasonings, such as chili powder, cinnamon, cloves and vinegar and Alcoholic beverages.

Question 19

Is chronic urticaria contagious?

Accepted Answer

Hives themselves are not contagious. Infections such as strep throat or COVID-19, which can sometimes cause acute hives, are contagious. These infections can spread to other people, usually through respiratory droplets or shared germs.

Question 20

Does chronic urticaria ever go away?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hives may go away on their own. About half the people who have chronic hives will stop having flare-ups within one year. But many people have them for 1 to 5 years.

Question 21

Is chronic urticaria serious?

Accepted Answer

Chronic urticaria is a frustrating and uncomfortable condition. But thankfully it’s not a life-threatening condition. Treatment with antihistamines or other medications will usually clear up symptoms. But chronic urticaria can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

Question 22

What autoimmune diseases cause chronic hives?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune urticaria is a type of chronic hives caused by an autoimmune condition. The most common autoimmune conditions that cause chronic urticaria are: Celiac disease, dermatomyositis, Type 1 Diabetes, lupus, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease and vitiligo.

Question 23

Can pregnancy cause chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the hormonal changes women experience during pregnancy can cause chronic hives. The treatment is usually antihistamines and it’s considered safe for mother and baby. Talk with your doctor about medications before taking them.

Question 24

Can children develop chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children can develop chronic hives. It is less common than acute urticaria but it has a worse impact on quality of life. Treatment is the same in children as it is for adults – typically non-sedating antihistamines is the first-line therapy.

Question 25

What are the impacts of chronic urticaria on quality of life?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic hives experience swelling, itching and pain. This can cause sleep disturbances. It may lead to stress and emotional difficulties including anxiety and depression. All these contribute to a lower quality of life. The more severe the urticaria is, the greater the impact on quality of life.

Question 26

Does chronic urticaria cause fatigue?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic hives report having trouble falling asleep. They also report waking up at night with itching and other symptoms. This causes daytime fatigue.

Question 27

Is chronic urticaria an autoimmune disease?

Accepted Answer

About 30 – 40% of chronic urticaria cases are related to an autoimmune condition and can be considered autoimmune urticaria.

Question 28

Does chronic urticaria cause joint pain?

Accepted Answer

With severe hives, or hives that last a long time, you can develop symptoms like joint pain or swelling, headache and fatigue.

Question 29

Can stress cause chronic urticaria?

Accepted Answer

Emotional stress and anxiety are not triggers for chronic hives but they can trigger acute or short-term hives in some people.

Question 30

Why is chronic urticaria worse at night?

Accepted Answer

Nighttime is when the body’s natural anti-itch chemicals are at their lowest. People with chronic hives may find their symptoms itch worse at night.

Question 31

Is chronic urticaria a disability?

Accepted Answer

Chronic hives can be debilitating for some people. They may have difficulty performing basic activities of daily life. Some may have an inability to sleep, to go along with mental health issues stemming from social isolation, anxiety and depression. If your chronic urticaria symptoms are severe enough, they you may qualify for a disability and you may be eligible for benefits. The hives must be considered so severe that they limit your ability to maintain substantial gainful activity.