While most cases of hives disappear within the week (normal time frame—30 minutes to 30 hours) for some they are a recurring or long-term problem. Defined as a disorder that last more than six weeks, chronic hives can linger or they may come and go on a regular basis.
In almost all cases of chronic hives there is not a clear cut cause that can easily be identified. While some cases seem be related to an underlying autoimmune disorder (thyroid disease, lupus) others are related to pathogens (often seasonal), food allergies or long periods of stress.
Treatment of antihistamines can help with symptoms in many cases as it is the adverse reaction to the release of histamine in the body that triggers hives in the first place, many do not find relief through their use. For others it may be the elimination, through trial and error, of new products that have inadvertently brought on outbreaks. It may be wearing clothes that keep the body from being exposed to the sun for any length of time or deny access to biting/stinging bugs.
It may be the digestive system in some cases that is not functioning as it should. This may cause toxins which are normally eliminated through the intestines and rectum to be excreted through the pores of the skin. In this case many people find relief from dietary and/or lifestyles changes.
If your job or family obligations keep you in a constant state of anxiety, stress management measures (deep, slow breathing, yoga) may need to be taken before any lasting results can be found. A good work-out several times a week—or even a walk, will help by getting more oxygen distributed throughout the body as well as automatically causing the body to breath deeper and generally help the digestive system to function more efficiently.
An herbal tea made from an infusion of peppermint, lavender or passionflower is soothing and can help relieve inflammation. Chamomile, valerian and catnip are all sedative type teas that can not only be calming but actually help with stress.
Topical applications such as a poultice of crushed chickweed leaves are useful in relieving the itch also. A strong tea brewed from the leaves and bark of the red alder can be applied topically to affected area, as well as calamine lotion.
Ice cube in a cloth can be placed over the swelled areas. The cold will cause blood vessels to shrink which prevents them from opening or allowing the histamines to be released. Cold compresses or cold baths can greatly relieve many chronic hive symptoms while hot water makes itching worse.
Typically, over half of all chronic cases of hives go away within a year on their own, with or without treatment. Although some cases can take as long as five years, with a very small percentage of people plagued even longer, this is rare.