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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffChronic hives, also known as urticaria, are batches of raised, red or white itchy welts (wheals) of various sizes that appear and disappear. While most cases of hives go away within a few weeks or less, for some people they are a long-term problem. Chronic hives are defined as hives that last more than six weeks or hives that go away, but recur frequently.
In most cases of chronic hives, a cause is never clearly identified. In some cases, chronic hives may be related to an underlying autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid disease or lupus.
While the underlying cause of chronic hives is usually not identified, treatment can help with symptoms. For many people, antihistamine medications provide the best relief.
- Kaplan AP. Urticaria and angioedema. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2958607. Accessed May 2, 2009.
- Urticaria. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch109/ch109e.html. Accessed May 2, 2009.
- Austen KF. Allergies, anaphylaxis, and systemic mastocytosis. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2858746. Accessed May 2, 2009.
- Bingham CO. Etiology and diagnosis of urticaria. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 4, 2009.
- Urticaria. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/urtic.htm. Accessed May 2, 2009.
- Fromer L. Treatment options for the relief of chronic idiopathic urticaria symptoms. Southern Medical Journal. 2008;101:186.
- Xyzal (prescribing information). Bridgewater, N.J.: Sanofi-Aventis. 2008. http://www.xyzal.com/pdf/pi.pdf. Accessed May 4, 2009.
- Sicherer SH. Advances in allergic skin disease, anaphylaxis, and hypersensitivity reactions to foods, drugs, and insects in 2008. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2009;123:319.
- Khan DA. Chronic urticaria: Diagnosis and management. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings. 2008;29:439.
