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Help for Hives has been created and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria.
It’s more than just hives.

Hives, also known as urticaria, weals, welts or nettle rash, is a raised, itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the skin. It may appear on one area or can cover larger areas. The rash is usually very itchy and can range in size from a few millimetres to the size of a hand.2 Chronic spontaneous urticaria, on the other hand, is defined as persistent symptoms of urticaria for 6 weeks or more.3

Help for Hives has been developed to support people living with urticaria and chronic spontaneous urticaria.

understanding urticaria home

Understanding urticaria

Urticaria (hives) is an itchy, raised rash usually caused by a reaction to triggers like food, pollen, insect bites or chemicals, with symptoms lasting six weeks or less.2 Follow the link for a more detailed description of urticaria.

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understanding CSU home

Understanding CSU

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a condition linked to the immune system, can cause an itchy rash anywhere on the body and painful skin swelling, similar to an allergic reaction.3 Follow the link for a more detailed description of chronic spontaneous urticaria.

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Measure your urticaria impact

Take control of your treatment journey with HiveHelper

To help your doctor find the best treatment for you, it is really important to measure your condition regularly.  HiveHelper is our virtual companion to help you learn more about urticaria and CSU.

HiveHelper is only currently available if you have Facebook Messenger. We are working on another way for those without Facebook to access the virtual companion tool. If you don’t have Facebook, you can download our interactive PDF resources here, which you can use to measure the impact of urticaria and CSU.

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Is it urticaria or CSU?

With both urticaria (hives) and CSU, the red, itchy welts you experience are the same. The difference comes from the amount of time the symptoms last and the inability to pinpoint a trigger for CSU. The symptoms of urticaria (hives), last for less than six weeks in duration and often they will go away on their own. CSU on the other hand can last six weeks or more, sometimes even up to five years.


If you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of CSU, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

Urticaria can differ in duration and cause1

urticaria can differ in duration and cause

The above diagram is not a diagnosis tool but only a guide. If you think you might have any of the conditions mentioned above, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

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Terminology at a glance

 
Term Definition
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) A condition linked to the immune system, that can cause an itchy rash anywhere on the body and painful skin swelling.
Hives (urticaria) Itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the body, which may appear raised, streaky or red.
Angioedema4 Swelling of soft tissue, typically causing the lips, eyelids, hands or feet to swell.
Spontaneous Occurring without apparent external cause.
Flare-up Sudden appearance of symptoms.

 

Do you know somebody living with urticaria or CSU?

It can be difficult to know the right thing to say, so we have prepared some tips to help.

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understanding urticaria

Understanding urticaria

Learn about the causes and symptoms of urticaria and how it differs from other skin conditions.

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understanding urticaria

Treating urticaria

Find out more about getting your CSU diagnosed and the treatment options available to you.

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understanding urticaria

Measuring urticaria symptoms

Keep a record of your symptoms so you can show them to your healthcare professional at your appointments.

Learn more

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UK | June 2022 | 204803

References

  1. Maurer M, Weller K, Bindslev-Jensen C, et al. Unmet clinical needs in chronic spontaneous urticaria. A GA2LEN task force report. Allergy. 2011;66(3):317-330

  2. NHS Inform. Urticaria (Hives). Available online at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/urticaria-hives [Last accessed: April 2022]

  3. Allergy UK. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU). Available online at: https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/chronic-spontaneous-urticaria-csu-does-it-rule-your-life [Last accessed: April 2022]

  4. NHS UK. Angiodema. Available online at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/angioedema [Last accessed: April 2022]

UK  |  June 2022  |  196186