Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Advice for Chronic Urticaria (Hives) Patients

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

Chronic urticaria (more than 6 weeks) is usually NOT caused by food allergy, and extensive allergy testing is unnecessary in most cases.
It is not contagious and usually not dangerous; it may last months then resolves on its own in most patients.
Take your non-drowsy antihistamine daily and regularly as prescribed — not only when itchy; your doctor may safely increase the dose up to 4 times.
Avoid aggravators: painkillers like ibuprofen (paracetamol is safer), heat and hot baths, tight clothing, and stress.
Photograph the rash and note when it appears and what preceded it — this helps your doctor greatly.
Swelling of the lips or tongue with difficulty breathing = an immediate emergency.
If antihistamines are not enough, effective add-on treatments now exist (biologic injections and new oral tablets) — ask your doctor.
If a single spot lasts more than 24 hours or leaves a bruise, tell your doctor.

See also the full treatment page: Chronic urticaria treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.