Definition:
Chronic hives are groups of raised, white or red itchy, large patches of wheals of different sizes that go on and off frequently or lasting for long periods that may last for the minimum of six weeks.
Diagnosis:
Blood tests and allergy tests may help in the diagnosis of chronic hives.
Treatment:
If chronic hives is caused by reactions to food, medication or other triggers; the initial action should be avoiding exposure to the trigger factor.
Oral antihistamines can control the effects and the surface of symptoms of chronic hives such as loratadine, cetirizine or fexofenadine.
Other possible medications useful in the treatment of chronic hives are oral corticosteroids, epinephrine, and tricyclic antidepressants to help relieve itching.
Symptoms and Signs:
The presence of small, round wheals often appearing in patches and may change shape. Itching in the nearby areas and redness are often present with chronic hives. Large skin swellings occur around the eyes, lips, genitalia, hands, inside the throat, and feet. When swelling is present in the throat, difficulty in breathing is eminent, which should be a warning skin for emergency.
Causes:
What really causes chronic hives is not yet clearly defined; however there are studies linking chronic hives to be caused by an autoimmune disorder and other health conditions like blood disorder or thyroid diseases.
In some rare cases, reaction to medication, food, insects, parasites and infection are linked to be associated causes of chronic hives.
