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Hives

Raised, itchy welts that come and go. Often settle, sometimes need treatment.

Speak to a GP about hivesFrom £79

In short

Hives are common and usually settle, with antihistamines controlling the itch. Most cases aren't a true allergy. Severe swelling or breathing difficulty is an emergency; chronic cases are very manageable.

Overview

What is hives?

Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts that appear when the skin releases histamine. Individual welts come and go within hours, often moving around the body. They can be acute (short-lived, sometimes after an infection or trigger) or chronic (lasting over 6 weeks). Sometimes deeper swelling of the lips or eyelids (angioedema) occurs alongside.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Raised, itchy welts (wheals) on the skin
  • Patches that can be pink, red, or skin-coloured
  • Welts that move around and fade within hours, often reappearing elsewhere
  • Sometimes swelling of the lips or eyelids (angioedema)
  • Itching that can be intense

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if hives are widespread, very itchy, keep coming back, or last more than a few days. Call 999 for any swelling of the tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Swelling of the tongue, throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (anaphylaxis, call 999)
  • Hives with feeling faint, a racing heart, or widespread swelling (call 999)
  • Hives with a fever and feeling very unwell

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Assessment to confirm hives and look for triggers
  • Non-sedating antihistamines, often at higher-than-standard doses for control
  • A short course of steroids for a severe flare where appropriate
  • Advice on avoiding identified triggers
  • A management plan for chronic hives (lasting over 6 weeks)
  • Referral to dermatology or immunology for persistent or severe cases

What we don't do

  • Emergency treatment of anaphylaxis (call 999)
  • Specialist allergy testing and immunology (referred on)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about hives starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about hives

What causes hives?
Often no specific cause is found. Triggers can include infections, foods, medicines, insect bites, heat, or pressure. Chronic hives are usually not due to an allergy.
How are hives treated?
Non-sedating antihistamines are the mainstay, sometimes at higher doses than the packet suggests, under guidance. Severe flares may need a short steroid course.
When are hives an emergency?
If there's swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or you feel faint, that's a possible anaphylactic reaction, call 999 immediately.
What if they won't go away?
Hives lasting more than 6 weeks are called chronic urticaria. They're manageable with regular antihistamines and, if needed, specialist treatments we can refer for.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about hives?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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