Klinik Muhibbah Logo
🔴

Hives (Urticaria) Treatment in Johor Bahru

Gatal-Gatal / Urtikaria

Hives (urticaria) are raised, itchy welts on the skin that appear suddenly and can occur anywhere on the body. In Malaysia, common triggers include food allergens (shellfish, peanuts, eggs), medications (aspirin, antibiotics), insect bites, heat, stress, and viral infections. Acute urticaria resolves within six weeks, while chronic urticaria persisting beyond six weeks requires thorough investigation and long-term management.

Symptoms of Hives (Urticaria)

Raised, red or skin-coloured itchy welts (wheals) of varying sizes
Welts that appear and fade within hours, moving to different areas
Intense itching, sometimes with a burning or stinging sensation
Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or hands (angioedema)
Symptoms that worsen with heat, stress, or after meals
New welts appearing as older ones fade

⚠️ When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if hives cover a large area, recur frequently, last more than a few days, or do not respond to antihistamines. Seek emergency care immediately for hives with throat tightness, difficulty breathing, swollen tongue, dizziness, or collapse — these are signs of anaphylaxis.

Treatment at Klinik Muhibbah

Klinik Muhibbah doctors assess urticaria by identifying likely triggers through a detailed history. Acute urticaria is treated with second-generation antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine) at appropriate doses, and in severe cases, a short course of oral corticosteroids. For chronic urticaria, we investigate potential underlying causes including thyroid autoimmunity and infections, and provide a structured long-term management plan. Patients with recurrent severe reactions are assessed for an adrenaline auto-injector prescription.

👨‍⚕️ Dr. Prabagaran Kanapathy
M.D(UNPAD) OHD(NIOSH) | MMC 63651
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Kirubah Sai Patnaik
MMC 93850

Prevention Tips

1Identify and avoid known food triggers — keep a food and symptom diary
2Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and ACE inhibitors if they have triggered hives previously
3Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent heat-triggered urticaria
4Manage stress, which commonly triggers or worsens hives
5Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you take

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a hives (gatal-gatal) clinic near me in Johor Bahru?
Yes, Klinik Muhibbah in Masai treats urticaria and hives. Our doctors identify triggers and prescribe effective antihistamines. Walk-ins welcome — call +60 7-251 1162 or book online at movo-x.com/kiosk/muhibbah.
How long do hives last and do I need medication?
Individual wheals typically fade within 24 hours, but new ones keep appearing in acute urticaria. Antihistamines significantly reduce itch and hasten resolution. Without treatment, acute urticaria can persist for days to weeks. Chronic urticaria (over 6 weeks) often requires ongoing daily antihistamine use.
When are hives an emergency?
Hives become an emergency when accompanied by throat tightening, difficulty breathing, swollen tongue or lips, or a sudden drop in blood pressure (feeling faint). This is anaphylaxis — call 999 immediately. At Klinik Muhibbah we can administer adrenaline and initiate emergency management.

Get Hives (Urticaria) Treatment Today

No. 62, Jalan Kiambang, Taman Bunga Raya, 81700 Masai, Johor

Mon–Thu & Sat: 9AM–9PM | Fri: 9AM–3PM | Sun: 9AM–1PM | Walk-ins Welcome