What is urticaria?
Hives — also known as urticaria — is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts, which range in size from small spots to large blotches.
Angioedema can arise with hives or alone, causing swelling in the deeper layers of your skin, often around your face and lips. Hives and angioedema are common.
Most times, they are harmless, clear up within in a day and don't leave any lasting marks, even without treatment.
Hives and angioedema are usually treated with antihistamine medication. Angioedema can be life-threatening if swelling causes your throat or tongue to block your airway.
Symptoms
Hives
The welts associated with hives can be:
- Reddish
- Itchy ranging from mild to intense
- Round, oval or worm-shaped
- As small as a pea or as large as a dinner plate
- Most hives appear quickly and go away within 24 hours. Chronic hives can last for months or years.
Angioedema
Signs and symptoms include:
- Welts that form in minutes to hours
- Swelling and redness, especially around the eyes, cheeks or lips
- Pain or warmth in the affected areas
Hives and angioedema can be caused by:
- Foods. (Shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs and milk are frequent offenders).
- Medications.
- Airborne allergens.
- Environmental factors.
- Medical treatments or underlying conditions.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hives-and-angioedema/symptoms-causes/syc-20354908
