Conditions and symptoms
What Is Chronic Urticaria? Long-Lasting Hives Explained
Chronic Urticaria · say it: KRON-ik ur-tih-KAIR-ee-uhAlso written: chronic hives, chronic idiopathic urticaria, chronic spontaneous urticaria, CSU
Short answer
Chronic urticaria means itchy hives (raised welts) that keep coming back for more than six weeks.
What it means
Urticaria is the medical word for hives: itchy, raised, red or skin-coloured welts that come and go. 'Chronic' means they keep coming back over more than about six weeks. Often no single trigger is found, which is called chronic spontaneous or idiopathic urticaria. Some people also get deeper swelling of the lips, eyelids or other areas (angioedema).
It appears on antihistamine labels as an indication, and on some other medicine labels for more stubborn cases. Labels explain dosing for age groups and possible drowsiness. Swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or feeling faint is different and needs emergency help, as these can be signs of anaphylaxis.
Chronic urticaria is different from acute hives, which last days to weeks and are more often linked to an infection, food or medicine. It is also different from eczema, which is a dry, itchy rash that does not come and go within hours.
Where you may see it
- Antihistamine labels under 'Uses'
- Dermatology and allergy clinic letters
- Prescription labels
📄 How it looks on a report
Indicated for the relief of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) in adults and children.
🙅 What it does not mean
- Chronic hives are usually not caused by a single food allergy.
- They are not contagious.
- Hives with throat swelling or breathing trouble are not routine; they need emergency help.
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Chronic Urticaria”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Cetirizine
an antihistamine of the selective H1-receptor antagonist type
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Chronic Urticaria” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
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General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.