Chronic Hives

Chronic hives are itchy, raised, red bumps or welts that appear on your skin at least twice per week. These welts, also called wheals, are chronic when they last more than six weeks.

You may hear this condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria:

• Chronic: A symptom or condition that persists even with treatment.
• Idiopathic: The symptom or condition occurs for no known reason. It comes on suddenly.
• Urticaria: The medical term for hives, pronounced ur-tik-CARE-ee-uh.

What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema (swelling)?

Hives (urticaria) and angioedema (swelling) can occur together. Hives are raised red bumps or splotches on your skin. Angioedema (swelling) may occur in deep layers of tissue. This swelling can affect your face, lips, throat, hands, feet and genitals.

What’s the difference between hives and chronic hives?

Chronic hives are different than acute hives:

• Acute hives start to fade within 24 hours (although new hives may replace them). They are gone within six weeks. A recent viral infection often causes acute hives.
• Chronic hives are visible at least twice per week for more than six weeks. Some chronic hives last for months or years. The cause is often unknown.

How common are chronic hives?

Up to 5% of people develop chronic hives. The condition affects all ages and genders but is more common in women ages 30 to 50.