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Dermatology · Hives & Allergic Reactions · Private clinic in East London

Private hives & allergic reactions clinic in London, same-day dermatology.

Hives (urticaria) are itchy raised welts from an allergic or other trigger — usually short-lived, but severe reactions with facial or throat swelling are an emergency. Our private dermatology clinic in East London offers same-day hives & allergic reactions assessment with a private dermatologist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.

Book a private appointment Call 020 7916 0029
Same-day
dermatology
Specialist-led
private dermatologist
No referral
needed

Call 999 now if there is swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint — this is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

The condition

What is hives & allergic reactions?

Hives (urticaria) are itchy raised welts from an allergic or other trigger — usually short-lived, but severe reactions with facial or throat swelling are an emergency.

  • Acute hives
  • Chronic urticaria
  • Allergic reactions
  • Angioedema (swelling)
  • Trigger identification
  • Antihistamine plan

Understanding hives & allergic reactions

Hives & Allergic Reactions: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment

Call 999 immediately if there is

  • swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth or throat, or difficulty swallowing
  • difficulty breathing, wheeze, noisy breathing or a persistent cough
  • a hoarse voice or a feeling of the throat closing
  • dizziness, faintness or collapse, or skin that is pale and clammy
  • severe abdominal pain or vomiting alongside a rash
  • a sense of impending doom — people often describe this before anything else

This is anaphylaxis. Use an adrenaline auto-injector into the outer thigh immediately if one has been prescribed, then call 999. Lie the person flat with legs raised, or sit them up if breathing is difficult. Never stand them up or let them walk, even if they seem to improve. A second dose may be given after five minutes if there is no response.

Using an adrenaline auto-injector

  1. Use it early. Adrenaline is safe and works best given at the first sign of a serious reaction — do not wait to see if things worsen.
  2. Into the outer thigh, through clothing if necessary. Hold it in place for the length of time stated on your device.
  3. Call 999 and say the word anaphylaxis.
  4. Lie flat, legs raised. Sit up only if breathing is hard; roll onto the side if vomiting or unconscious.
  5. Second dose after five minutes if there is no improvement. Always carry two devices.
  6. Go to hospital regardless, even if symptoms resolve completely — reactions can return hours later.

Hives (urticaria)

Hives are raised, pale or red weals on the skin, often surrounded by a flare, and usually very itchy. A characteristic feature is that individual weals come and go within 24 hours while new ones appear elsewhere — the rash appears to travel around the body.

In about half of cases no cause is ever identified. Common triggers include viral infections (particularly in children), certain foods, medicines including anti-inflammatories and some antibiotics, insect stings, heat, cold, pressure on the skin and exercise. Stress and alcohol tend to make existing hives worse rather than cause them.

Managing hives at home

Helps

  • A non-drowsy antihistamine, taken regularly rather than only when the rash appears
  • Cool showers, cool compresses and loose cotton clothing
  • Keeping a diary of what preceded each episode
  • Keeping the room cool, particularly at night

Makes it worse

  • Heat — hot baths, saunas, hot rooms
  • Alcohol, which dilates blood vessels and intensifies itching
  • Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen in some people
  • Scratching, which releases more histamine and spreads the weals

Higher doses of antihistamine

For persistent hives, specialists often use antihistamines at higher than the standard packet dose — sometimes up to four times — because the licensed dose is frequently not enough to control the itch. This should be done on medical advice rather than on your own initiative, but it is worth asking about if a standard dose is not working.

Swelling of the lips or eyelids

Deeper swelling of the lips, eyelids, hands or feet is called angioedema. It often accompanies hives and is uncomfortable rather than dangerous provided the tongue, mouth and throat are not involved and breathing is normal. If any of those are affected, treat it as an emergency.

Angioedema without hives, particularly recurrent episodes, can be caused by certain blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors such as ramipril or lisinopril) or, rarely, by an inherited condition. Both need proper assessment rather than antihistamines.

When to have it investigated

  • hives lasting more than six weeks, or recurring over months
  • any reaction that involved breathing, swelling of the throat or faintness — you need an allergy assessment and probably an auto-injector
  • reactions to a specific food, medicine or sting that you need identified
  • hives with joint pains, fever or weight loss, or weals that leave bruising and last more than a day
  • reactions that are affecting sleep, work or school

Book an appointment if you need allergy testing, an adrenaline auto-injector prescription and training, an allergy action plan for a school or nursery, or investigation of long-standing hives. We offer allergy testing on site and can arrange specialist immunology input where it is needed.

Dermatology services we offer

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From same-day GP treatment to consultant dermatology, mole checks and minor surgery — with a clear plan the same visit.

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Seen today, in three easy steps

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Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most skin appointments.

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A GMC-registered GP or dermatologist examines your skin and explains what it is.

3

Diagnosis & plan

You leave with a diagnosis, a prescription or procedure where needed, and a clear plan.

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Private assessment

See a private dermatologist for hives & allergic reactions in London

At our private dermatology clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private dermatologist or hives & allergic reactions doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant dermatologist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about hives & allergic reactions.

Book a private hives & allergic reactions assessment

Local, private, fast

A private dermatology clinic for East London & Canary Wharf

Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private hives & allergic reactions appointment with a dermatologist, without the wait or the referral.

Why choose us

Why choose our East London private dermatology clinic

  • Same-day, no referral — private GP and dermatology under one roof
  • Consultant dermatologists, GMC-registered
  • Dermoscopy & minor surgery on site for moles and lumps
  • Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
  • Medical & cosmetic skin care in one place
  • Transparent pricing and a clear plan

Ready when you are

See a private dermatologist for hives & allergic reactions — the same day.

Book a private hives & allergic reactions assessment in East London: same-day appointments, dermatologist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.

Book same-day appointment 020 7916 0029

Common questions

Hives & Allergic Reactions in London: your questions answered

Where can I find a private hives & allergic reactions specialist near me in East London?

Our private dermatology clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private dermatologist or hives & allergic reactions doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.

Can I see a private dermatologist for hives & allergic reactions the same day?

Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a dermatologist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.

How much does a private hives & allergic reactions appointment cost in London?

We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the hives & allergic reactions assessment and any tests before you book.

Do I need a referral to see a private dermatologist for hives & allergic reactions?

No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a dermatologist, we will guide you.

How are hives treated?

With antihistamines and by avoiding triggers; persistent (chronic) hives may need specialist assessment and stronger treatment.

Can I be tested for what caused my reaction?

Yes — allergy testing can investigate triggers for recurrent or severe reactions.

Which areas do you serve for private hives & allergic reactions care?

We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.

Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.

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Private Dermatology

Consultant-led dermatology in London.

Mole check
Dermoscopy

Mole & Skin Check

Mole checks & skin cancer screening.

Minor surgery
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Minor Surgery

Mole, cyst and lump removal.

GP
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Private GP

Same-day GP in East London.

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In an emergency, call 999. Tower Bridge Hospital London is not an emergency service. Your nearest A&E is The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road E1 1FR — 5 minutes’ walk from our front door.

Areas we serve

Private hives & allergic reactions care in London & East London — Whitechapel, the City & Canary Wharf

Patients visit our Whitechapel clinic for private hives & Allergic Reactions assessment and treatment from right across London and East London, the City and the Docklands — including Aldgate, Bethnal Green, Bow, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Stratford, Bermondsey and the surrounding areas. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available and you do not need a GP referral.

Easy to reach — minutes from the Royal London Hospital and Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line.

Private hives & allergic reactions treatment near me? If you are searching for private hives & allergic reactions treatment near me, a hives & allergic reactions doctor or specialist near me, or a private clinic near me in East London, our Whitechapel practice is on your doorstep — walk-in and same-day appointments, no GP referral, and no long NHS waiting list.

Book a same-day appointment or call 020 7916 0029. See our transparent fees. Open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Private clinic on Whitechapel Road, London E1 — serving Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, the City of London and Southwark.

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