Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition marked by raised, red, and itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body, such as the face, arms, legs, or trunk.

These welts vary in size, may cluster together, and although they usually fade within hours or days, they can return and disrupt a person’s quality of life.

Though often harmless and temporary, urticaria can be distressing. The condition arises when mast cells in the body release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream, causing fluid to leak from small blood vessels and form swollen, irritated welts.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Key signs of urticaria include:

• Hives: Clearly outlined, raised bumps that may be red on the edges and pale at the center
• Itching: Ranging from mild to severe
• Short-lived spots: Individual welts usually fade within 24 hours without leaving marks

In some cases, urticaria is accompanied by angioedema, which is swelling of the deeper skin layers—commonly around the lips, eyelids, hands, feet, or genitals. If swelling affects the throat or tongue, it can become a life-threatening emergency due to restricted breathing.

Types of Urticaria

Urticaria is typically classified by how long it lasts:

Acute Urticaria: Lasts less than six weeks and often has a clear trigger

Chronic Urticaria: Persists longer than six weeks and may have no identifiable cause, often linked to autoimmune responses