Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of chronic hives include:

• Batches of red or skin-colored welts (wheals), which can appear anywhere on the body
• Welts that vary in size, change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly as the reaction runs its course
• Itching, which may be severe
• Painful swelling (angioedema) of the lips, eyelids and inside the throat
• A tendency for signs and symptoms to flare with triggers such as heat, exercise and stress
• A tendency for signs and symptoms to persist for more than six weeks and to recur frequently and unpredictably, sometimes for months or years

Short-term (acute) hives appear suddenly and clear up within a few weeks.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have severe hives or hives that continue to appear for several days.

Seek emergency medical care

Chronic hives don't put you at any sudden risk of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If you do experience hives as part of a serious allergic reaction, seek emergency care. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include dizziness, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, eyelids and tongue.