Symptoms of chronic hives include: 
Batches of welts (wheals) that can arise anywhere on the body
Welts that might be red, purple or skin-colored, depending on your skin color
Welts that vary in size, change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly
Itchiness (pruritus), which can be intense
Painful swelling (angioedema) around the eyes, cheeks or lips
Flares triggered by heat, exercise or stress
Symptoms that persist for more than six weeks and recur often and anytime, sometimes for months or years
