What you need to know about hives


LearnInflammationUnderstanding and treating chronic hivesWhat you need to know about hives

Chronic hives can be caused by many factors including stress, infection, temperature, or even an immune issue.

Written by Jameson Kowalczyk.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Jameson Kowalczyk.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.
Updated onAugust, 2026

Featured content

Virtual Assistant: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
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Virtual Assistant: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Coping with the mental and emotional burden of chronic hives
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Coping with the mental and emotional burden of chronic hives

A look at the ways CU can impact mental and emotional health, with seven topics to discuss with a healthcare provider.

Chronic hives: a glossary of terms
Article

Chronic hives: a glossary of terms

The language surrounding chronic urticaria can be confusing. Understanding these terms can make things clearer.

Differences between inducible and spontaneous chronic hives
Article

Differences between inducible and spontaneous chronic hives

Learn about the two different categories of chronic urticaria.

What causes hives?
Article

What causes hives?

Find out what causes urticaria—the red, raised, itchy welts on the skin that are more commonly known as hives.

Can chronic spontaneous urticaria cause fatigue?
Article

Can chronic spontaneous urticaria cause fatigue?

Five reasons why CSU may be contributing to fatigue and what to do if you are experiencing fatigue.

Can stress make chronic hives worse?
Article

Can stress make chronic hives worse?

The potentially cyclical relationship between chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and stress.

5 treatment options for chronic hives
Video

5 treatment options for chronic hives

Learn about different treatment options that you might discuss with your healthcare provider.

3 ways to improve your chances of success when treating CSU
Video

3 ways to improve your chances of success when treating CSU

Here are three things people with CSU should keep in mind about treatment.

Understanding chronic hives
Video

Understanding chronic hives

Learn what makes hives chronic and what could be possible triggers.

Virtual journey: chronic spontaneous urticaria
Video

Virtual journey: chronic spontaneous urticaria

Take a look inside the body and learn more about CSU and how it can be treated.

How to treat chronic hives
Video

How to treat chronic hives

When hives do not go away quickly, the first step in treatment is to consult an allergist.

7 answers about angioedema
Slideshow

7 answers about angioedema

Learn about this type of inflammation beneath the skin that often occurs alongside hives.

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