What Are Hives?
Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy red welts that appear suddenly on the skin. They may last for hours or days, and in some cases, become a recurring problem. Hives occur when your body releases histamine and other chemicals, causing swelling in the skin. They can appear anywhere on the body and often move around, fading in one area while reappearing in another.
There are two main types:
Acute hives: Lasts less than 6 weeks, often triggered by allergies, food, or infections.
Chronic hives: Persist for more than 6 weeks, sometimes without a clear cause (idiopathic).
At Regis Medical GP clinic, we provide fast relief and long-term management for hives, tailored to your triggers and health profile.
What Causes Hives?
Hives can have many triggers, and in some cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Common causes include:
- Food allergies (e.g. shellfish, nuts, eggs)
- Medications (antibiotics, painkillers, aspirin)
- Insect bites or stings
- Infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
- Temperature changes (heat, cold, exercise, sweating) otherwise known as Cholinergic Urticaria
- Stress and anxiety
- Pressure or friction on the skin
- Rarer causes include Thyroid Conditions, Blood cell/Bone marrow Issues, Exposure to Sun (Solar Urticaria)
Symptoms of Hives
Hives usually appear as:
- Raised, red or skin-coloured welts
- Itching or burning sensation
- Patches that change shape, size, or location rapidly
Why Seek Treatment for Hives?
While mild hives may resolve on their own, treatment is important if:
- The hives are severe, painful, or recurring
- They interfere with daily life or sleep
- Swelling affects the lips, tongue, or breathing (emergency care needed, and would not just be simple hives but rather anaphylaxis instead)
- You suspect food, medication, or environmental allergies that require testing
Untreated chronic hives may persist for months or years, causing ongoing discomfort and stress.
Hives Treatment Options at Our Clinic
We focus on relieving immediate symptoms while also identifying and managing triggers.
Treatment options include:
- Antihistamines: To reduce itching and swelling.
- Short-term corticosteroids: For severe or resistant flare-ups.
- Trigger identification: Review of recent foods/medications.
- Lifestyle advice: Avoidance strategies, skincare routines, and stress management.
- Referral (if needed): For chronic or complicated hives requiring dermatology or allergy specialist input.
Who Should See a Doctor for Hives?
Book an appointment if you experience:
- Hives lasting more than a few days
- Recurrent or chronic episodes
- Severe itching interfering with rest or work
- Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or throat
- Suspected allergy requiring confirmation or avoidance advice
Whatsapp Us Make an Appointment
*Prices listed were last updated on 1 July 2023. Prices may be subject to change.
*Price does not include consultation fee and GST.
Why Choose Regis Medical
Book Your Hives Consultation Today
Don’t let hives disrupt your life. Get effective, doctor-led treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
FAQ
Accessibility & Support
Regis Medical Holland Village is located at 255 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278983
Regis Medical Katong is located at 437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Click here to view our opening hoursAppointment
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Holland Village, please call or whatsapp us 8118 5298
To book an appointment at Regis Medical Katong, please call or whatsapp us 9851 3728
You can only cancel or change your appointments up to 24 hours before your appointment. You will receive your refund within 3 working days. No refund will be issued for no shows and cancellations within 24 hours before your appointment. However, if you are feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, we allow patients who have their acute illness seen at Regis Medical to reschedule their appointment without extra cost.
This policy is subject to change.
Yes. You can reschedule your appointments. However, you need to reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your actual appointment time. If you are unwell on the day of the appointment, we will reschedule your appointment at no extra cost if you seek medical attention at our clinic (for non-emergencies only).
Finance
General
Hives, or urticaria, are raised, itchy red or skin-coloured welts that can appear anywhere on the body. They may last for hours or days and often move around, fading in one spot while appearing in another. Hives are caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals in the skin.
There are two main types:
- Acute hives – last less than 6 weeks, usually triggered by allergies, infections, or foods.
- Chronic hives – persist for more than 6 weeks, sometimes without a clear cause.
Hives can be triggered by many different factors, including:
- Food allergies (e.g., shellfish, nuts, eggs)
- Medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, or painkillers
- Insect bites or stings
- Infections (viral, bacterial, or fungal)
- Temperature changes like heat, cold, or sweating
- Stress and anxiety
- Pressure or friction on the skin
In some cases, the exact cause cannot be identified.
We focus on both symptom relief and long-term prevention. Treatment options include:
- Antihistamines – to reduce itching and swelling
- Short-term corticosteroids – for severe or resistant flare-ups
- Trigger identification – reviewing recent foods, medications, or arranging allergy tests
- Lifestyle advice – skincare routines, stress management, and avoidance strategies
- Referrals – to dermatology or allergy specialists for chronic or complex cases
While mild hives may resolve on their own, medical treatment is important if:
- The hives are severe, painful, or recurring
- They interfere with sleep or daily life
- You have swelling of lips, tongue, or throat (emergency situation)
- You suspect food, medication, or environmental allergies
Chronic hives left untreated may last months or years, causing ongoing discomfort and stress.
You should book a consultation if you:
- Have hives lasting more than a few days
- Experience recurrent or chronic hives
- Have severe itching interfering with sleep or work
- Notice swelling of lips, eyelids, or throat
- Suspect an allergy and need confirmation or avoidance advice
No, hives are not contagious. They result from the body’s immune response and cannot be spread from one person to another.