Urticaria is a common skin disorder that affects about one in five people at some point in their lives. It causes intensely itchy, raised areas on the skin called weals or hives, which can be circular or ring-shaped and may merge into larger patches.
These marks often appear after scratching and can develop anywhere on the body.
Urticaria occurs when mast cells in the body release histamine and other chemical substances into the bloodstream. This triggers fluid to leak from tiny blood vessels in the skin, leading to the formation of welts.
Although individual hives typically fade within 24 hours, the overall condition may persist and require ongoing treatment.
The condition is often accompanied by deeper swelling beneath the skin known as angioedema. This swelling commonly affects softer areas such as the lips, eyelids, or the inside of the mouth.
Unlike hives, angioedema tends to be more painful than itchy and usually takes longer to subside.
If angioedema occurs without hives, it may indicate a hereditary condition called hereditary angioedema. This form is not linked to urticaria and requires different diagnostic tests, including blood work, as well as specialized treatment.
Based on its duration, urticaria can be classified into:
Acute Urticaria — which is the most typical type whose reason of outbreaks is usually known. This type lasts for around six weeks.
Chronic Urticaria — when breakouts last longer than six weeks and whose reason of outbreaks is typically unknown.
Physical Urticaria — caused by scratching, exposure to cold, constant pressure on the skin, sunlight exposure, or rise in body temperature.
Common causes are: allergic reactions, infections — both bacterial and viral, and emotional stress.
Most cases of hives don’t need treatment because the rash usually disappears within 24 hours. However, if symptoms continue, a doctor may recommend antihistamines, steroid medications, or menthol-based creams to help reduce itching and discomfort.
People with allergies are more prone to developing hives. They can also occur as a reaction to certain medications or after contact with an allergen you may not have recognized, such as specific foods, pollen, or environmental substances. Additionally, when you’re ill or managing another medical condition, your body may be more sensitive, making hives more likely to appear.