Chronic Urticaria (Hives): When to See a Specialist
Urticaria causes itchy, raised wheals on the skin. If hives keep coming back or persist for more than 6 weeks, it is considered chronic urticaria.
Common symptoms
- Itchy raised wheals that move around the body
- Flare-ups that come and go
- Swelling of lips/eyelids (angioedema) in some cases
- Sleep disturbance and reduced quality of life
Why it happens
Triggers vary and can include infections, pressure, heat/cold, stress, or immune-related factors. In many cases a single obvious cause is not identified, which is why structured assessment matters.
When specialist input helps
- Symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks
- Frequent swelling episodes
- Symptoms affecting sleep or daily life
- Uncertainty about triggers or medication response
See our main Allergy Specialist (Allergology) page for the full range of conditions treated.
Request an Allergy Consultation
If your symptoms keep returning, a specialist assessment can help identify triggers and guide long-term control.
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