Urticaria Treatment

Expert care for urticaria, hives and allergic rashes in children and adults

We provide specialist diagnosis and personalised treatment for urticaria (hives) and allergic rashes for patients of all ages. Our expert team, led by Professor Gideon Lack, combines pioneering research with compassionate care to help you manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Comprehensive assessment to identify underlying causes of allergic rashes
Evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your needs
Practical strategies to prevent and manage flare-ups
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What is Urticaria?

Urticaria (also known as hives) is one of the most common forms of allergic rashes. It causes raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body. Affecting approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives, urticaria can range from a short-term reaction to a chronic condition lasting more than six weeks.

How urticaria and allergic rashes develop

Urticaria occurs when certain cells in the skin (mast cells) release histamine and other chemicals in response to triggers. This causes small blood vessels to leak, leading to swelling in the skin's deeper layers. Like many allergic rashes, urticaria can be either:
  • Acute urticaria: Short-lasting episodes (less than 6 weeks) often triggered by specific factors
  • Chronic urticaria: Persistent or recurring allergic rash episodes lasting more than 6 weeks
Research shows that while acute urticaria is commonly linked to specific triggers, chronic urticaria often has no identifiable cause (chronic spontaneous urticaria) or may be related to physical stimuli (chronic inducible urticaria).
Common symptoms

Urticaria and similar allergic rashes can vary in severity and may significantly impact quality of life.

Physical appearance

Raised, red or skin-coloured welts (wheals)Wheals that vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetresLesions that can change shape, disappear and reappear within hoursSwelling that blanches (turns white) when pressed

Sensations

  • Intense itching, sometimes with burning or stinging
  • Discomfort that may interfere with sleep and daily activities
  • Symptoms that worsen with scratching
Common triggers

Various factors can trigger urticaria and other allergic rashes, including:

  • Allergic reactions – Foods, medications, insect stings, latex
  • Physical stimuli – Pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, water, exercise
  • Infections – Viral, bacterial, or parasitic
  • Stress and emotional factors
  • Certain medical conditions – Autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease
  • Environmental factors – Pollen, pet dander, dust mites

Our specialists can help identify your specific triggers through detailed history-taking and appropriate testing.

Impact on daily life

Urticaria and allergic rashes affect people of all ages and can significantly interfere with many aspects of daily life.

For children
  • Disrupted sleep from itching, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating at school
  • Discomfort with certain activities or environments that may trigger flare-ups
  • Self-consciousness about visible allergic rashes, potentially affecting social interactions
  • Distress from unpredictable nature of flare-ups
  • Challenges with routine activities when symptoms are severe
For adults
  • Persistent itching that interferes with work concentration and professional performance
  • Sleep disturbances causing fatigue and reduced quality of life
  • Psychological impact, including anxiety about potential flare-ups
  • Limitations in clothing choices due to skin sensitivity or concerns about visible rashes
  • Time-consuming treatment regimens that affect daily schedules

When to seek specialist care

While mild, temporary allergic rashes often resolve without treatment, specialist care is recommended if you experience chronic urticaria lasting more than 6 weeks, severe or widespread symptoms, urticaria with angioedema (deeper tissue swelling), or symptoms that don't respond to over-the-counter antihistamines.

You should also consult a specialist if your allergic rashes are accompanied by fever, joint pain or abdominal pain, if they're disrupting your sleep or daily activities, or causing significant anxiety.

For children, seek help if episodes affect school attendance or cause emotional distress, especially with a family history of allergies.

Adults should consider specialist care when allergic rashes impact work performance, when multiple treatments have been unsuccessful, or when symptoms might be associated with other health conditions.
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Our expert approach to diagnosis and treatment

We provide a comprehensive approach to managing urticaria and allergic rashes through advanced diagnostics and personalised treatment plans.

Comprehensive assessement

Detailed clinical history to identify potential triggers and patterns
Thorough skin examination to evaluate the nature and extent of allergic rashes
Allergy testing when appropriate to identify specific triggers
Specialised testing for physical urticarias (cold, pressure, heat, etc.)
Evaluation of underlying health conditions that may contribute to symptoms

Your path to relief

We create a personalised, evidence-based plan to manage your allergic rashes, addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term control.
Effective treatments
First-line therapies including optimised antihistamine regimens
Advanced therapies for resistant cases, including biological treatments
Management of associated angioedema when present
Specific approaches for physical urticarias and various allergic rashes
Treatment of underlying conditions contributing to symptoms
Practical management strategies
Trigger avoidance guidance based on your specific pattern
Skin care routines to minimise irritation
Environmental modification recommendations
Strategies for managing allergic rashes at school or work
Support for parents managing childhood urticaria and allergic rashes

Why choose us for urticaria and allergic rash care?

Our goal is to help you gain control over your symptoms and improve your quality of life. We offer:
World-leading expertise in allergic and immune-mediated skin conditions
Evidence-based treatments grounded in cutting-edge research
Personalised care tailored to children and adults
Comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing triggers
Supportive team that understands the impact of chronic skin conditions
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Eczema
“As far as our family is concerned, Professor Lack is a miracle worker. We trust his advice implicitly and are very lucky to have him as our daughter’s specialist.”
Eczema
28th Sept 2024
Eczema
verified patient

Pioneering research, personalised care

Our approach combines our team's groundbreaking research into the causes and treatment of allergies with deeply personalised care. As global leaders in allergy prevention and treatment, we're dedicated to transforming lives through early intervention and innovative therapies. From food allergies and asthma to eczema and allergic rashes like urticaria, we provide evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient's needs.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between urticaria and other allergic rashes?
Urticaria (hives) is characterised by raised, itchy welts that typically change location and resolve within 24 hours, though new ones may appear. Other allergic rashes such as eczema tend to persist in the same locations and remain for days or weeks. Urticaria specifically involves the release of histamine from mast cells, creating temporary swelling and itching, while other allergic rashes may involve different immune mechanisms. Our specialists can accurately diagnose your specific type of allergic rash and recommend appropriate treatments.
What is the difference between acute and chronic urticaria?
Acute urticaria consists of episodes lasting less than six weeks, typically triggered by specific factors such as allergies, infections, or medications. Chronic urticaria persists for more than six weeks and often has no identifiable cause (chronic spontaneous urticaria) or may be triggered by physical factors like pressure, cold, or heat (chronic inducible urticaria). While acute allergic rashes often resolve once the trigger is removed, chronic conditions require a more comprehensive management approach.
Can urticaria and allergic rashes be cured?
While acute urticaria often resolves completely once triggers are identified and avoided, chronic urticaria may not have a permanent cure. However, with expert management, symptoms can be significantly reduced or controlled entirely. Our approach focuses on identifying any potential triggers, implementing effective medical treatments, and developing personalised management strategies that allow most patients to achieve good control of their allergic rashes and improved quality of life.
Are allergic rashes like urticaria dangerous?
Most cases of urticaria and allergic rashes, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous. However, when urticaria occurs alongside angioedema (swelling of deeper tissues), particularly if it affects the throat or tongue, immediate medical attention is necessary. Additionally, allergic rashes can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. Our specialists can help determine whether your rash is a standalone condition or part of a broader health issue requiring additional care.
How are urticaria and allergic rashes diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a detailed clinical history, physical examination, and sometimes specific tests. For suspected allergic triggers, we may recommend skin prick testing or blood tests. For physical urticarias, challenge tests may be performed (such as applying ice for suspected cold urticaria). In cases of chronic spontaneous urticaria, we may investigate for underlying autoimmune conditions or other triggers. Our comprehensive approach ensures we consider all possible factors contributing to your allergic rashes.
What treatments are available for urticaria and allergic rashes?

Treatment options range from standard antihistamines to advanced therapies for resistant cases

  • First-line treatments include non-sedating antihistamines, sometimes at higher doses than typically used for other allergic conditions.
  • Second-line options may include adding leukotriene modifiers or H2 antihistamines.
  • For resistant cases, biological therapies such as omalizumab may be recommended.
  • Short courses of oral corticosteroids may be used for severe flares.
  • Treatment of any identified underlying causes or triggers.

Our specialists will develop a personalised treatment plan based on your specific type of allergic rash, severity, and impact on quality of life.

Ready to find relief from urticaria and allergic rashes?

Our specialist team is here to help you take control of your skin condition. We'll identify any potential triggers and develop an effective treatment plan for lasting relief.
Speak to our Team
London Medical 

49 Marylebone High St.
The Portland Hospital 

215 Great Portland Street 

07493 280048 
/ 07765 977819
admin@londonallergy.com
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