Urticaria (Hives)
Raised, itchy weals that flare and fade — what hives are, why they appear, and how a consultant dermatologist can find the trigger and settle the itch.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an itchy rash of raised weals that appear when the skin releases histamine, causing patches to swell, redden and itch.
A hallmark of hives is that individual weals come and go within hours, often moving from one part of the body to another. Most cases settle on their own, but when hives keep returning for weeks the itch can be exhausting — and a consultant dermatologist can help you control it and look for a cause.
Symptoms of urticaria (hives).
Weals can be a few millimetres or join into large patches, and they typically last under 24 hours in any one spot before fading without a mark.
Why it happens.
Hives happen when histamine and other chemicals are released into the skin. Sometimes a trigger is clear, but in long-lasting (chronic) urticaria no outside cause is found in most people — the immune system simply becomes over-reactive for a time.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Diagnosed from your history and a skin examination.
Urticaria is usually diagnosed clinically — Dr Dalia Alsaadi, Consultant Dermatologist, will talk through how and when your weals appear, examine your skin and look for patterns or triggers. For long-standing hives she may arrange blood tests to check for an underlying cause, or occasionally a skin (punch) biopsy if a patch behaves unusually. A clear plan is then agreed with you. Both adults and children can be seen.
How urticaria (hives) is treated.
The aim is to calm the itch and keep weals away while any trigger is identified, starting with the gentlest approach that works.
A full review of your symptoms, triggers and history with the consultant dermatologist, who confirms the diagnosis and explains your options in plain language.
Non-drowsy antihistamines are the mainstay for hives; your dermatologist tailors the type and dose — sometimes above the standard amount — to settle persistent itching.
For hives lasting more than six weeks, targeted blood tests and a stepped treatment plan to find a cause and keep symptoms controlled — and onward referral discussed if specialist allergy or further therapy is needed.
Reviewing how your skin is responding and adjusting the plan, so a long-running flare doesn't drag on unmanaged.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Do I need to be referred before booking about my hives? +
No referral letter is needed — you can arrange a dermatology consultation directly. If you'd like, you're welcome to bring any notes from your GP or photos of past flare-ups, as hives often fade by the time of an appointment.
Why do my hives keep coming back when nothing seems to set them off? +
That's common. In long-lasting (chronic) urticaria, no outside trigger is found in most people — the skin's histamine response is simply over-active for a while. A consultant can confirm this, rule out underlying causes, and focus on keeping the itch controlled until it settles.
Should I take an antihistamine before I'm seen? +
A non-drowsy antihistamine from the pharmacy is reasonable for the itch in the meantime. If it isn't controlling things, the dermatologist can adjust the type or dose at your consultation. If you ever notice swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or any difficulty breathing, treat that as an emergency and call 999.
Will I need allergy or blood tests? +
Not always. Short-lived hives often need no tests at all. For hives that persist beyond six weeks, your consultant may arrange blood tests to look for a cause, and will discuss allergy assessment or onward referral if your history points that way.
What does it cost to be seen? +
An initial consultation with the consultant dermatologist is £200, with paediatric appointments at £250 and follow-up reviews at £100. The fee for any further tests or treatment is confirmed individually after your assessment, so you always know the price beforehand.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.