Condition
Urticaria and dermographism
Also called Hives, Dermographism
Raised, red, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin, lasting either under six weeks or much longer.
At a glance
Who it affects
People with sudden or recurrent itchy welts.
What you notice
Raised red welts, itching, burning or facial swelling.
What may help
Trigger review and treatment may reduce symptoms; causes and response vary.
What is urticaria and dermographism?
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition marked by the sudden appearance of raised, red, itchy welts or bumps on the skin. It can be acute, meaning short-term, or chronic, meaning long-term, and it varies in severity and duration.
In acute urticaria the hives typically last less than six weeks, and symptoms usually settle within a few hours to days once the trigger is removed. Chronic urticaria means hives that persist for six weeks or longer, with periods of remission and flare-up.
The welts are accompanied by itching, burning or stinging. In severe cases there may be swelling — angioedema — of the lips, eyes or face. Symptoms vary in intensity and can come and go unpredictably.
What causes urticaria and dermographism?
Acute urticaria is often triggered by an allergic reaction to certain foods, to medicines such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory painkillers, to insect bites or to an infection. Chronic urticaria may have several underlying causes, including autoimmune disorders, long-standing infections and hormonal imbalance, and in many people no cause is identified at all. Working it out may involve a detailed medical history, an examination, allergy testing and laboratory tests.
How is it treated?
Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve the itching and reduce the severity of symptoms. In severe cases corticosteroids or other medicines may be prescribed. Cool compresses or cool baths soothe the itch and reduce inflammation, and moisturising lotions or creams keep the skin hydrated, since dryness makes itching worse.
What can you do at home?
Identify and avoid the triggers that make your symptoms worse, whether foods, medicines or something in your surroundings. Stress and anxiety can make urticaria worse, so relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga help.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, fainting or light-headedness, or if symptoms persist or get worse despite treatment.
How the clinic approaches it
Your doctor may look for triggers and discuss symptom control. Severe reactions need urgent care; response varies.
Points to remember
- Note foods, medicines or other triggers.
- Use cool compresses if comfortable.
- Get urgent help for breathing or throat swelling.
Book an appointment
One clinic, one address, one number. Skin appointments and ENT appointments are booked the same way.
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