Which Department

Which department should I see for severe hives and itching?

2026-09-17 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Dermatology(피부과) is generally the first department to see for severe hives and itching, as specialists there focus on diagnosing and managing skin-related conditions. If hives are accompanied by breathing difficulty, throat tightness, or sudden swelling of the face, skip department selection entirely and go to the emergency room or call 119 immediately. In cases where an underlying internal cause is suspected, a doctor may refer you to Internal Medicine(내과) or Allergy Medicine(알레르기내과) for further evaluation.

Which department

  1. 1Dermatology (피부과)
    Dermatologists specialize in skin conditions including hives (urticaria) and severe itching, and are generally the most direct match for these symptoms. They are trained to assess the skin presentation, identify potential triggers, and coordinate further workup if needed. — First / second line: In most cases, visiting a local dermatology clinic (의원) first is a common starting point for hives and itching. If symptoms are severe, widespread, or recurring despite initial care, a referral to a hospital-level department may be considered.
  2. 2Internal Medicine / Allergy Medicine (내과 / 알레르기내과)
    When hives may be linked to an internal cause such as an allergic reaction to food, medication, or an underlying systemic condition, Internal Medicine or the subspecialty of Allergy Medicine is generally involved. These departments can investigate systemic triggers that go beyond the skin surface. — First / second line: A visit here typically follows a referral from a dermatologist or general practitioner, particularly when allergy testing or investigation of internal causes is considered appropriate by a physician. Some hospital-level facilities have dedicated allergy clinics that handle complex or chronic cases.
  3. 3Pediatrics (소아청소년과)
    For children experiencing hives and severe itching, a pediatric specialist is generally well-positioned to evaluate the condition in the context of a child's overall health and development. Pediatric allergic responses can differ from those in adults and may require age-appropriate assessment. — First / second line: Parents of younger children often begin at a local pediatric clinic (의원) before being referred elsewhere. If symptoms are severe or suggest a systemic reaction, the pediatrician will typically guide the next step.
  4. 4Emergency Medicine (응급의학과)
    This department is relevant only when hives are accompanied by life-threatening symptoms such as throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure — signs that may indicate anaphylaxis. In these situations, emergency care takes priority over outpatient department selection. — First / second line: Do not attempt to schedule an outpatient appointment if severe systemic symptoms are present alongside hives. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 119 without delay.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

  • Sudden difficulty breathing or feeling that the throat is closing or swelling.
  • Severe swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat occurring alongside hives.
  • Dizziness, fainting, or a sudden feeling of extreme weakness accompanying the rash.
  • Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness together with widespread hives.
  • Hives spreading very rapidly across the entire body with a sense of systemic unwellness.

Before your visit

  • Note when the hives first appeared and whether they come and go or remain constant.
  • Think about any new foods, beverages, medications, supplements, or environmental exposures in the 24–48 hours before symptoms began.
  • Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are currently taking, including over-the-counter items.
  • Document any previous episodes of hives or allergic reactions and whether you received any prior diagnosis or treatment.
  • Take clear photos of the hives at their worst, since the appearance may change by the time of your appointment.
  • Note any accompanying symptoms such as fever, joint pain, swelling, or gastrointestinal discomfort, as these details help the doctor assess the situation.

General principles

Hives, known medically as urticaria, are raised, itchy welts on the skin that can appear anywhere on the body and vary in size. They may be triggered by allergic reactions, medications, infections, stress, or unknown causes, and a doctor's evaluation is generally necessary to explore the underlying reason.

In the Korean healthcare system, it is generally common to start at a local clinic (의원) level for skin symptoms before being referred to a larger hospital if the condition requires more complex investigation. Dermatology clinics are widely available and are a typical first point of contact for hive-related complaints.

When a dermatologist or primary care physician suspects an allergic component, they may recommend further evaluation such as blood tests or skin allergy tests — but the type, timing, and necessity of any investigation is determined solely by the treating physician based on the individual's condition. These tests are intended to help identify triggers rather than to confirm a diagnosis on their own.

Chronic hives — generally defined as lasting more than six weeks — may involve a referral to allergy or internal medicine specialists, since longer-lasting cases sometimes point to systemic factors that benefit from a multidisciplinary approach. In all cases, a physician's guidance is the appropriate basis for deciding the care pathway.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic (의원) or a larger hospital for hives?

In general, starting at a local dermatology or internal medicine clinic is a practical first step for hives that are uncomfortable but not life-threatening. If the clinic physician determines that further testing or specialist input is needed, they will typically refer you to a higher-level facility. Note that a referral letter (요양급여의뢰서) is legally required for normal insurance coverage only at tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원); secondary hospitals (병원·종합병원) can be visited directly without one and without any extra cost penalty under the Korean health insurance structure.

How is a hives rash different from other skin rashes — could it be something else?

Hives typically appear as raised, pale or red welts that change location or fade within hours, which can distinguish them from fixed rashes like eczema or contact dermatitis — but accurate differentiation requires a doctor's examination. Some rashes that look similar to hives may have different causes and require different care pathways. Bringing photos taken when the rash is at its most visible can help the physician assess what you experienced even if the skin has changed by appointment time.

Is allergy testing always done for hives?

Not necessarily — the decision to conduct allergy tests or blood work is made by the treating physician based on the history, pattern, and severity of the hives. For acute cases that resolve quickly, testing may not be considered necessary, while chronic or recurrent cases are more likely to prompt further investigation. A physician's clinical judgment is the appropriate guide for whether and which tests are relevant in each individual situation.

Are there any differences when hives occur in children or elderly patients?

For children, a pediatric specialist is generally the preferred first contact, as allergic responses can present differently and the range of potential triggers may differ from adults. For elderly patients, hives may sometimes be related to medications or underlying health conditions that are more prevalent in older age, which a physician will take into account during evaluation. In both groups, accompanying symptoms and medical history are particularly important to share with the doctor.

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This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.