Medical dermatology · Allergy & itch

Chronic Urticaria Treatment

Chronic urticaria is hives lasting more than six weeks. Treatment follows international guidelines: daily non-sedating antihistamines, up-dosing if needed, then omalizumab or cyclosporine for resistant cases.

Overview

Most chronic hives have no external allergen. Effective control greatly improves sleep and daily life.

At a glance

Step 1

Standard-dose second-generation antihistamines.

Step 2

Up to four-fold antihistamine dose.

Step 3

Omalizumab; cyclosporine if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need allergy tests?

Usually not for chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Is omalizumab covered?

Coverage depends on criteria.

Will it go away?

Most cases resolve within a few years.

Related

Hives · Biologics

Choose a specialist

Medical skin conditions need a dermatology specialist

Many Korean “skin clinics” focus on cosmetic procedures and may not treat skin disease. Board-certified dermatologists (피부과 전문의) are trained to diagnose and treat it, and medical dermatology is partly covered by Korea’s National Health Insurance. This page is general information, not medical advice.