Urticaria
Urticaria, or hives, is a skin condition that shows up as itchy, raised bumps or welts on your skin. It is often triggered by allergic reactions to things like certain foods, medications, or environmental factors. These hives can appear out of nowhere and are usually accompanied by redness and sometimes swelling.
Our approach
Consultant-led medical care.
We provide consultation and medical treatments for skin rashes/spots. Consultant dermatologists undergo intensive training to manage all skin conditions, including severe acne, eczema, psoriasis, allergy, urticaria etc. Sometimes, our procedural treatments like exosome, polynucleotide, plasma and LDM treatments can help to reduce skin inflammation and build stronger skin barrier.
What is urticaria?
A sudden release of histamine.
Urticaria is a skin condition where the body experiences a sudden release of histamine, leading to the appearance of welts or hives on skin. These welts can appear in various sizes and may be triggered by a range of factors. Allergic reactions are the most common cause of urticaria, but it can also be triggered by stress, infections, or physical factors such as heat or pressure. Unlike many other skin conditions, urticaria often comes and goes quickly, with each flare-up usually disappearing within 24 hours. However, in some cases, it can stick around longer and turn into chronic urticaria, lasting for months. Figuring out what's triggering the histamine release is key to effectively managing and treating it.
How we diagnose
Investigations to support the diagnosis.
Dermatology is a specialty with over 1500 potential diagnoses and it is even more important to seek advice from consultant dermatologists if you have genuine skin disease. We provide the whole range of investigations to support the diagnosis if required including skin biopsy, skin scraping, skin swab and blood test.
It involves numbing injection under the skin at the site of biopsy followed by taking a small skin sample: Curettage or shave biopsy is performed using a blade/curette to shave off the raised skin lesion and then burn off the bleeding vessels at the base. Initial wound would be a black scab which falls after 7-10 days. Punch biopsy is performed by using a device which looks like a small apple core (usually 4mm diameter) and take a sample of the skin lesion/rash which can go down to deeper layer of skin (dermis) and fat tissue to give us a full picture of the pathogenesis.
If there is a suspicious fungal/yeast infection causing the skin rash, skin scraping is performed and sent to the lab to see what type of fungus/yeast is causing the rash, which helps to target with the right type of antifungal medication.
If there is a suspicious bacterial infection causing the skin rash, skin swab is performed and sent to the lab to see what type of bacteria is causing the rash which helps to target with the right type of antibiotics.
We have an affiliated lab where blood sample taken from our clinic is analysed. Blood test is sometimes required to see any associated conditions which can cause the rash as well as to monitor bloods whilst on medication for the skin rash.
Why choose us
Care built around each patient.
Our medical director, Dr Jinah Yoo has spent years researching and refining her treatments to offer optimal solutions for various skin rashes.
We carry out a comprehensive and systematic analysis of our patient's skin condition to make sure that they get accurate and effective treatment.
We always strive for the best results by offering personalised treatments that match the unique needs of each patient. We use a variety of advanced methods, and design a customised programme so that each individual can experience the optimal outcomes. With our patient-centred approach, you can be sure that you will receive the top quality care for your individual needs.
Who it's for
Is this right for you?
- Individuals experiencing chronic or acute hives that cause significant discomfort and itching.
- Those struggling with flare-ups of urticaria due to allergic reactions, environmental triggers, or unknown causes.
- People seeking a personalised, targeted treatment plan to manage the symptoms of urticaria.
- Patients looking to reduce the frequency and intensity of hives outbreaks and improve overall skin health.
- Those who want to relieve persistent skin irritation and swelling associated with urticaria.
- Urticaria is managed rather than cured: treatment focuses on reducing flare-ups
- Outbreaks usually resolve within a few hours to a day, but some persist for weeks or months
- Chronic urticaria can last for longer periods and needs a tailored treatment plan
- Identifying the specific trigger is key to managing the condition
- Results vary with the severity of the condition and the treatment approach
Your consultant
Led by Dr Jinah Yoo.
Dr Jinah Yoo
MBChB FRCP · Consultant Dermatologist · FounderDr Yoo is a Korean, UK-trained consultant dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology. Rashes are medical dermatology, and this is where a consultant's training matters most: reading how a condition presents across different skin tones, and knowing when to investigate further.
Where a rash needs referral or ongoing medical management, that is arranged rather than treated cosmetically.
- GMC-registered consultant dermatologist
- Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP)
- Full range of diagnostic investigations available
- Experienced across all skin tones
The clinic
45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair.
Frequently asked questions
Asked before booking.
Urticaria is most commonly caused by allergic reactions to food, medications, or environmental factors. Stress, infections, and physical triggers like heat or pressure can also lead to outbreaks. Identifying the specific trigger is key to managing the condition.
Most urticaria outbreaks resolve within a few hours to a day, but in some cases, hives may persist for weeks or even months. Chronic urticaria can last for longer periods and requires a tailored treatment plan.
Results can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. Many patients begin to experience relief within a few days, while others may take longer. Consistent treatment and managing triggers help ensure long-term improvement.
While there is no permanent cure for urticaria, effective management and treatment can significantly reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life. Our expert dermatologists work closely with patients to create long-term solutions to control symptoms.
Next step
Find out what is triggering it.
Book a consultation with a consultant dermatologist to assess your hives, arrange investigations where needed and agree a plan to manage your symptoms.
