Urticaria

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy, red, raised welts or plaques that are typically well-circumscribed, erythematous, and pruritic. These weals are smooth, slightly elevated, and often migratory, appearing and disappearing in different locations over time. Urticaria results from an allergic reaction or other triggers such as infections, autoimmune disorders, stress, insect bites, food, or medications. It may be accompanied by angioedema, involving swelling of deeper tissues, particularly in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can lead to respiratory difficulty in severe cases. The rash usually resolves within minutes to days without leaving lasting skin changes, although chronic urticaria—lasting more than six weeks—occurs in less than 5% of cases and may recur. The lesions arise in the upper dermis and present as pale red, intensely itchy bumps that may burn or sting.
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