Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition marked by red, raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin.
These welts can vary in size, merge into clusters, and often disappear within 24 hours—though new
ones may appear elsewhere. In some cases, the condition can persist or recur, affecting a person’s quality of life.
Urticaria occurs when mast cells release histamine, causing fluid to leak from small blood vessels and create the characteristic swelling.
Common Symptoms:
Raised welts (hives), red or skin-colored
Intense itching (pruritus)
Welts that fade quickly but may reappear elsewhere
Angioedema (deeper swelling), sometimes affecting lips, eyelids, or throat—potentially life-threatening if it impairs breathing
Types:
Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than 6 weeks, often linked to a known cause.
Chronic Urticaria: Persists longer than 6 weeks, often with no identifiable cause.
Inducible Urticaria: Triggered by physical factors like pressure, cold, heat, sun, or scratching.
Common Triggers:
Allergens: foods (nuts, shellfish), medications, insect bites
Infections: viral or bacterial
Physical stimuli: cold, heat, pressure
Emotional stress: may worsen symptoms
Autoimmune causes: especially in chronic cases
Treatment:
Antihistamines: Main treatment to relieve itching and reduce hives
Corticosteroids: For severe or persistent cases
Avoid known triggers whenever possible
Diagnosis is clinical, based on history and symptoms. With proper care, symptoms can often be managed effectively