Urticaria: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment

About 20% of people will encounter hives at some point in their lives, and living with frequent flare-ups can feel disruptive. At Pymble Dermatology, different options of hives treatment in Northern Sydney are available to help you manage the condition.

What is Urticaria (hives)?

Urticaria, often called hives, is a common skin condition that appears as raised, itchy weals. These can vary in size and location, and while they usually fade within a short time, they may sometimes persist.

Here’s what you’ll commonly experience with urticaria:

1. Raised bumps (weals) that may be red or skin-coloured
2. Itchiness or discomfort, sometimes with a burning sensation
3. Weals or urticarial rash that suddenly appear and usually resolve within 48 hours
4. No scarring once the hives fade

There are two main types of hives, including:

Acute Urticaria – usually lasts a few hours to several days, and may continue for up to a
week

Chronic Urticaria – symptoms last more than 3 to 6 weeks, sometimes extending for
months or years

While hives are generally harmless, urgent medical care is required if swelling already affects the throat or breathing.

What causes hives?

Hives develop when small blood vessels in the skin leak fluid. This reaction is usually triggered by the histamine release during an inflammatory response. A range of factors can cause this reaction, although the cause may remain unknown in some cases.

Common causes include:

Foods such as eggs, peanuts, fresh citrus fruits, chocolate, fish, and pork

Food additives like tartrazine (yellow dye) and monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Medications, including:

Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, tetracycline)
Pain relievers (e.g., aspirin, codeine)

Sedatives and diuretics

Infections, such as the common cold, or certain bacterial and fungal infections

Physical factors, including heat, cold, pressure, or other forms of skin irritation

Because hives can have multiple triggers, you must inform your doctor about foods, medications, or exposures that may be linked to your symptoms.

Urticaria triggers

A consultation at Pymble Dermatology may help ascertain the triggers that are causing your hive outbreaks. Your dermatologist may suggest hives treatment pathways or prescribe medications to combat more severe cases. Your allergist will also explore potential triggers such as family disease history, exposure to substances, current medications and ongoing food allergies. In some cases, skin, blood or urine tests are helpful in evaluating the triggers that cause urticaria.

Urticaria Treatment

Managing urticaria often begins with identifying and avoiding known triggers. Depending on acute or chronic symptoms, your doctor may recommend specific approaches.

Common management options or treatment for hives include:

Antihistamines – non-sedating types are often suggested during the day, while sedating options may be used at night if needed

Lifestyle adjustments – avoiding heat, alcohol, or hot showers, as these can sometimes worsen symptoms

Skin care guidance – avoiding harsh scrubbing and using gentle skin care practices

In addition, your dermatologist may:

Ask questions about your medical history and previous episodes;

Explore possible links to medications, foods, or environmental exposures; or

Recommend blood or skin tests to help identify underlying conditions.

Get in Touch

With professional assessment and ongoing care, you may be able to manage your symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Don’t hesitate to consult with us here at North Sydney dermatology clinic for a personalised approach of hives treatment in Northern Sydney.