Interview transcription:

We asked Penelope Pratsou about the cost and duration of hives (urticaria) treatment.

How long does treatment for hives take and what does it cost?

Penelope Pratsou: It depends on whether you’ve only recently developed hives that are hopefully only going to last for a few weeks, or whether you’ve got the chronic type of hives or urticaria.

I would say that in the vast majority of cases we can bring things under control quite quickly and it might be that you need one or two consultations and a few tweaks here and there in what you’re doing. 

The first step to feeling in charge of your skin is to book an initial consultation

FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE SKIN YOU WANT

Penelope Pratsou: The treatment could be as quick as having that first consultation, or a few weeks apart.

If you do have chronic hives, and we’re not able to bring things under control with the more common treatments, it might be that I need to see you regularly. That means that it might play into the cost aspect of things because it would be the cost of consultations, the treatment, and sometimes any tests that might be involved.

If you notice that you have any of the symptoms or conditions that we’ve just discussed, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Penelope Pratsou. She’ll be able to assess your situation and give you a personalised treatment plan.

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About the author

Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist

MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)

I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.

I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.

After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.

Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.