Hives is the common name for urticaria. Chronic hives and chronic urticaria mean the same thing. That is, reoccurring red, itchy bumps are present for more than 6 weeks, and in many cases are present for months or years.1 People with chronic urticaria have hives or other symptoms on average for about 5 years, but in some people, the symptoms may persist for decades.2
The disease can severely impact day-to-day life. It can affect relationships and it can interfere with work or school.3
Proper diagnosis and treatment are the key to living a normal hives-free life. However, many people with chronic urticaria have had difficulty getting a proper diagnosis and may not be treated effectively.3
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The different types of hives (urticaria)References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA HP Position Paper Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Guidelines 2020. Available from https://allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Position_Paper_CSU_2020.pdf Accessed May 2026.
- Sánchez-Borges M et al. WAO Journal 2012; 5:125–147.
- Maurer M et al. Allergy 2017; 72: 2005-2016.