The London Dermatology Centre

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The London Dermatology Centre The London Dermatology Centre is run by leading dermatologists. For more information please visit us

The Team at the London Dermatology Centre are experts in their chosen fields and offer you their services at the highest professional levels

What is the difference between acute and chronic hives?Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can ...
12/10/2026

What is the difference between acute and chronic hives?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body and may change shape, move around and disappear within hours.

Acute hives last less than six weeks and often follow an identifiable trigger such as a viral infection, certain medications, food allergies or insect stings.

Chronic hives recur for six weeks or longer, often have no obvious external trigger and, unlike acute hives, are rarely caused by a specific food allergy.

Effective treatments are available, including non-sedating antihistamines, adjusted antihistamine doses under medical supervision and specialist treatments for persistent cases.

Hives that keep returning, interfere with sleep or do not respond to standard treatment may benefit from assessment by a consultant dermatologist. Urgent medical help is needed if hives occur with breathing difficulties or swelling of the tongue or throat.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

09/10/2026

Can stress actually trigger or worsen hives?

Dr Sunil Chopra explains that stress can trigger hives and worsen hives. The release of stress hormones and the relationship with urticaria is still poorly understood.

However, it is known that stress can exacerbate pre-existing hives or even cause spontaneous hives. Persistent or unexplained hives may benefit from specialist dermatology assessment.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

08/10/2026

Why do hives suddenly appear, even without a history?

Dr Sunil Chopra divides hives into acute (lasting up to six weeks) and chronic (longer than six weeks). Acute hives are often linked to infection - and once the infection clears, the hives tend to go. Thyroid issues or iron deficiency can also play a role.

Urticaria (the medical term for hives) can also be triggered by cold, heat, exercise, or, rarely, water (aquagenic urticaria).

Many different stimuli can cause the same reaction, which is why hives can be hard to treat if they do not respond to standard antihistamines. There can be many causes - not just allergens.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

What could be triggering your hives?Hives can appear suddenly as raised, itchy welts and often disappear from one area o...
07/10/2026

What could be triggering your hives?

Hives can appear suddenly as raised, itchy welts and often disappear from one area only to appear somewhere else. Although allergic reactions can cause them, many episodes have no obvious allergic trigger: infections, heat, cold, pressure, exercise, sunlight, or certain medicines such as painkillers and antibiotics may all play a role.

When hives keep returning for more than six weeks, this is known as chronic urticaria and often isn't caused by a straightforward allergy.

Frequent or unexplained episodes may benefit from dermatological assessmen, and if hives come with swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness or fainting, seek urgent emergency medical attention.

If recurring hives are affecting you, our team can help assess possible triggers.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

05/10/2026

Why do hives get worse at night?

Dr Sunil Chopra explains that many hives are heat urticaria - they can show themselves when you get very warm under the blankets.

Heat urticaria often tends to worsen at night, and when you are warm there is more blood supply to the skin, so the urticaria can look more swollen and feel more symptomatic.

If night-time hives are troubling you, a dermatologist can help assess the cause.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

01/10/2026

How has dermatology practice changed over the years?

Dr Sunil Chopra says change has been inevitable - and rapid. Advances in technology and science have brought new treatments for conditions that were previously very hard to help.

He highlights metastatic melanoma (when dangerous skin cancer has spread): prognosis used to be grim, but with newer anti-cancer drugs available, outcomes are improving every year - something he finds very exciting.

Concerned about a mole or skin change? Arrange a professional assessment.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

How does your skin change through the decades?Your skin’s needs shift as you move through your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond....
30/09/2026

How does your skin change through the decades?

Your skin’s needs shift as you move through your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. In your 20s, skin is typically resilient with strong collagen and elastin, but UV exposure is already accumulating, so daily sun protection, gentle cleansing and a healthy barrier matter from the start.

In your 30s, collagen production and cell turnover begin to slow, and you may notice fine lines, uneven tone or texture changes. By your 40s, loss of collagen and elasticity can make fine lines more visible, along with dryness, pigmentation and texture changes, supporting the barrier, sun protection and monitoring new or changing lesions becomes more important.

Around menopause in your 50s, declining oestrogen can contribute to drier, thinner and less elastic skin, and sometimes increased sensitivity, itching or hair changes. Into your 60s and beyond, skin can become thinner, drier and more fragile, healing may take longer, and the cumulative effects of sun exposure become increasingly apparent.

Skin ageing is natural, but genetics, hormones, lifestyle and sun exposure mean everyone’s journey is different. If you notice a persistent, unusual or changing skin concern, a dermatologist can assess what’s happening and recommend appropriate care.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

29/09/2026

What makes a good dermatologist?

Dr Sunil Chopra notes there are more than 13,000 dermatological diseases,- so depth of knowledge really matters. Experience also builds over many years on the way to true expertise.

In his view, a good dermatologist is someone who is very knowledgeable, keeps an open mind, and keeps learning throughout their whole career.

Looking for experienced, thoughtful skin care? Book a consultation at London Dermatology Centre.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

28/09/2026

What was the vision for London Dermatology Centre?

Dr Sunil Chopra explains that a large amount of the clinic’s profits go towards research. The team is research-orientated, - including work on a major anti-cancer product, and continually improving the services they can offer patients.

He notes the clinic has been awarded a government innovation grant and is applying for further funding to advance cancer research, with the ability to move quickly on ideas that may benefit patients.

Want care grounded in ongoing research? Get in touch to book a consultation.

đź“Ť London Dermatology Centre, 69 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8AS

Clinical leadership grounded in experience.As Clinical Director of the London Dermatology Centre, Dr Sunil Chopra overse...
25/09/2026

Clinical leadership grounded in experience.

As Clinical Director of the London Dermatology Centre, Dr Sunil Chopra oversees patient care, clinical governance, and consultant development - helping the clinic become one of London’s best-known private dermatology centres.

His particular interests include skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, pigmentation disorders such as melasma, rosacea and acne scarring, and scalp conditions including chronic hair loss.

Every plan starts with listening carefully to how your skin - and your confidence - are affected.

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69 Wimpole Street
London
W1G8

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Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

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