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Urticaria
Moderate
Urticaria, commonly called hives, is a skin reaction characterized by raised, itchy areas called wheals. Individual hives may appear suddenly, change in size or shape, and disappear within hours while new lesions develop elsewhere. Urticaria may be acute and short-lived or may continue or recur over a longer period. Possible triggers include infections, medicines, foods, insect exposures, physical stimuli, and immune reactions, although a specific cause is not always identified. Swelling of deeper tissues, known as angioedema, can occur along with hives.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Urticaria is often temporary, but persistent, recurrent, or severe hives should be medically assessed. Emergency care is needed if hives occur with swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness, fainting, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Symptoms
2
Causes
3
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Urticaria, commonly called hives, is a skin reaction characterized by raised, itchy areas called wheals. Individual hives may appear suddenly, change in size or shape, and disappear within hours while new lesions develop elsewhere. Urticaria may be acute and short-lived or may continue or recur over a longer period. Possible triggers include infections, medicines, foods, insect exposures, physical stimuli, and immune reactions, although a specific cause is not always identified. Swelling of deeper tissues, known as angioedema, can occur along with hives.
Symptoms 2
Blisters
Joint Swelling
Causes 3
Urticaria occurs when certain cells in the skin release substances such as histamine that cause small blood vessels to become more permeable. Triggers can include foods, medicines, infections, insect bites or stings, physical pressure, heat, cold, sunlight, exercise, or other physical stimuli. In many cases of chronic urticaria, no specific external trigger is identified. Some cases are associated with immune-system activity or other medical conditions. The cause may therefore remain unknown even after evaluation.
Autoimmune Disorder
Infection
Stress
Risk Factors
Risk factors for urticaria depend on its type. People with allergies, certain infections, autoimmune conditions, or a personal tendency toward allergic or immune reactions may be more likely to develop particular forms. Physical urticaria can be triggered by pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, vibration, or exercise. Medicines and foods may trigger acute episodes in susceptible individuals. Chronic urticaria often has no identifiable trigger, and the presence of hives does not necessarily indicate a food allergy.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Urticaria is usually diagnosed clinically by examining the skin and reviewing the timing, duration, appearance, possible triggers, medicines, infections, and associated symptoms. Individual hives typically change or disappear within a relatively short period, which helps distinguish them from some other skin conditions. Laboratory testing is not routinely necessary for uncomplicated acute hives. Additional evaluation may be considered when urticaria is persistent, recurrent, associated with systemic symptoms, or when another underlying condition is suspected. Assessment for angioedema and breathing difficulty is particularly important.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Prevention of urticaria depends on whether a specific trigger can be identified
People with a known trigger may reduce episodes by avoiding that trigger when practical, while those with physical urticaria may need to limit the particular physical stimulus that causes symptoms
Medicines that have previously caused a reaction should be discussed with a healthcare professional before future use
Because chronic urticaria often has no identifiable cause, complete prevention may not be possible
Persistent or recurrent hives should be evaluated when the pattern is unclear
Prevention Guidance
Prevention of urticaria depends on whether a specific trigger can be identified. People with a known trigger may reduce episodes by avoiding that trigger when practical, while those with physical urticaria may need to limit the particular physical stimulus that causes symptoms. Medicines that have previously caused a reaction should be discussed with a healthcare professional before future use. Because chronic urticaria often has no identifiable cause, complete prevention may not be possible. Persistent or recurrent hives should be evaluated when the pattern is unclear.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Vitamin C foods
Support immunity
Fresh fruits
Healthy nutrition
Water
Hydration
Foods to Avoid
Known allergens
Avoid triggers
Alcohol
May worsen symptoms
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Urticaria is an itchy skin rash also called hives.
Allergies, infections, medications, or stress.
They may last from hours to weeks depending on the cause.
Yes, stress can worsen symptoms.
If swelling affects breathing or becomes severe.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.