Itchy, raised wheals that appear without warning and vanish within hours — but keep recurring. DermaVue dermatologists identify the root cause and deliver lasting relief across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Urticaria — commonly called hives — causes intensely itchy, raised red or skin-coloured wheals that can appear anywhere on the body. Individual wheals typically last less than 24 hours, but new ones keep forming, sometimes daily for weeks or months. The triggers range from foods and medications to infections, stress, and autoimmune processes. In many cases, no specific trigger is found — this is called chronic spontaneous urticaria. The condition is not caused by poor hygiene and is never contagious. DermaVue dermatologists systematically identify the underlying driver and build a stepwise treatment plan — from optimised antihistamines to advanced biologics — that targets control, not just temporary itch relief.
Urticaria is a mast-cell–driven dermatosis characterised by transient, pruritic, oedematous wheals resulting from the release of histamine and other vasoactive mediators from dermal mast cells. Acute urticaria (<6 weeks) is frequently triggered by IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity to allergens, infections, or NSAIDs. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU, >6 weeks) involves autoimmune mechanisms in ~40% of cases — including IgG anti-FcεRIα autoantibodies and IgE anti-TPO antibodies that cause mast cell degranulation independent of external allergens.[1] The EAACI/GA²LEN/EDF/WAO 2022 guidelines recommend second-generation H1-antihistamines as first-line, dose escalation up to 4× standard dose as second-line, and omalizumab (anti-IgE monoclonal antibody) as third-line therapy. Indian patients frequently present with dietary triggers common in Kerala cuisine — shellfish, specific spice combinations, and fermented preparations.
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
No, urticaria is absolutely not contagious. It cannot spread from person to person through touch, sharing clothes, or any form of contact. Hives are caused by your own immune system releasing histamine from mast cells in the skin — it is an internal immunological process, not an infection.
Common food triggers in Kerala include shellfish (prawns, crab, lobster), certain fish varieties, spices (especially artificial food colours used in curries), fermented foods (idli/dosa batter left too long, pickles), nuts, and food additives. However, food is the confirmed trigger in only 1–2% of chronic urticaria cases — most chronic cases are autoimmune. A supervised elimination diet is the only reliable way to confirm food triggers; random allergy panel testing is often misleading.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Antihistamine therapy is affordable at ₹200–800 per month. Omalizumab (biologic therapy) for refractory chronic urticaria costs ₹8,000–15,000 per monthly injection. Lab workup costs ₹1,500–4,000 depending on tests ordered. Full treatment costs are discussed transparently at your first consultation — no hidden charges.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria lasts more than 6 weeks by definition, but the actual duration varies widely. About 30–50% of patients achieve remission within 1 year, and up to 80% within 5 years. However, some patients have symptoms for 10+ years. The good news: modern treatments including omalizumab can effectively control symptoms regardless of duration, and DermaVue dermatologists design stepwise protocols to maintain quality of life throughout.
Yes, stress is a well-documented trigger and amplifier of urticaria. Psychological stress causes the release of neuropeptides (substance P, corticotropin-releasing hormone) that directly activate mast cells in the skin. This is why many patients notice flares during exam periods, work deadlines, or emotional distress. Stress management is an integral part of the DermaVue treatment protocol for chronic urticaria — not a substitute for medication, but an essential complement.
Urticaria (hives) produces transient raised wheals that appear suddenly and resolve within 24 hours without leaving marks — driven by mast cell histamine release. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes persistent dry, scaly, itchy patches that last days to weeks and can thicken or crack the skin over time — driven by skin barrier dysfunction and T-cell inflammation. They are different conditions with different underlying mechanisms and treatments. A dermatologist can distinguish them clinically within minutes.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations