Chronic hives shouldn’t control your life. There are effective treatments that can clear the redness, swelling and itch.
Chronic urticaria treatment depends on the type of chronic hives you have. There are two forms:
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria usually has no known trigger and can occur anytime.1
- Chronic inducible urticaria has a known trigger such as sunlight, temperature, pressure or vibration. Avoidance of the trigger is the most effective treatment.1
How to treat chronic hives2
There are different medications that work in different ways to relieve the symptoms of hives. Some medications work by preventing mast cell activation of the immune system in the first place. Others work by neutralising chemicals such as histamine that are released by the mast cells and others still work more directly to modulate the immune system.
- Antihistamines – as their name suggests, antihistamines neutralise the histamines released by mast cells after they have been activated by a trigger which your immune system thinks is a threat. They are usually the first medication prescribed by a doctor.2
- There are also other medications that can be prescribed by a GP or Specialist
Many people stop treatment when their symptoms disappear, but symptoms are better controlled when medication is taken according to how it is prescribed.2
If hives and itch are interfering with your quality of life, there are effective treatment options. For some of these treatments you need to be in the care of an immunologist or dermatologist. Speak to your GP about a referral to an urticaria specialist.
Explore on this site
Urticaria (hives) treatment options Are there topical hives treatments for your face? Urticaria pathology and how it relates to treatment
Locate a specialist
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Skin Cancer Foundation Australasian College of Dermatologists
References
- Zuberbier T et al. Allergy 2018; 73:1393-1414.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA HP Position Paper Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Guidelines 2020. Available from https://allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Position_Paper_CSU_2020.pdf Accessed July 2024.
- Godse KV. Ind J Dermatol 2009; 54: 310–312.
- Vestergaard C and Deleuran M. Ther Adv Chron Dis 2015; 6:304–313.