When hives keep coming back for no obvious reason
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a condition characterized by recurring, itchy hives that appear without an obvious external trigger. Dermatologist Dr. Peter Ch’ng emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis to distinguish it from other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Why it matters
Understanding chronic skin conditions helps patients seek appropriate medical treatment and improves quality of life by managing unpredictable flare-ups.
Hives can appear suddenly, fade within hours and then emerge elsewhere, making the condition frustratingly difficult to predict. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: It can happen in the middle of the night - an intensely itchy rash suddenly spreads across the body, disturbing sleep and leaving the person wondering what caused it. By the time they reach a clinic, however, the rash may have disappeared.
Dermatologist Dr Peter Ch’ng said this pattern is familiar to people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The condition causes recurring itchy, raised hives, sometimes with deeper swelling known as angioedema, for more than six weeks without an obvious external trigger.
“Normally, patients tell me, ‘Doctor, the rash disappeared while I was waiting to see you, but from experience, I’m certain it will come back again’,” he said.
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