But for some people, the welts dont disappear in a day or even a week.
Most cases of chronic hives are idiopathic, with no identifiable cause.
Hives are not contagious; they cant spread from person to person.
How Is Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Diagnosed?
Still, its not uncommon for hives to reoccur, even several years later.
Additionally, many patients with chronic urticaria have outbreaks in multiple places on their body.
The first-line therapy for patients who are having frequent episodes of chronic hives is a long-acting, nonsedating antihistamine.
Many of these medications are available over the counter.
Successfully managing chronic hives often requires a dose higher than the one printed on the package.
Examples include Tagamet HB (cimetidine) and Pepcid (famotidine).
Asthma drugs with antihistaminesThese medications can help with itching and hives in some people when used together with antihistamines.
Examples are Singulair (montelukast) and Accolate (zafirlukast).
Monoclonal antibodiesThe drug Xolair (omalizumab) may be used for a key in of difficult-to-treat chronic hives.
Its an injectable medicine usually given once a month.
Immune-suppressing drugsThese include cyclosporine, methotrexate, and tacrolimus and are usually limited to short-term use.
Diet Options
Some patients with chronic urticaria opt to follow a low-histamine diet, says Aronica.
I tell them if that helps them, thats fine with me.
In some cases, if you address the deficiency, the hives may improve, says Aronica.
Severe angioedema can be a complication of chronic urticaria.
He adds that chronic urticaria angioedema is much less likely to be life-threatening than anaphylaxis.
For most people with chronic urticaria, its a skin-only manifestation, he says.
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Research and Statistics: Who Has Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria?
But more research is needed in this area, he says.
Becky Upham has been professionally involved in health and wellness for almost 20 years.
Upham enjoys teaching cycling classes, running, reading fiction, and making playlists.
What Are Hives?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
