Urticaria (commonly called hives) is a skin reaction characterized by itchy, raised welts that can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body. They usually come and go within hours, but new ones may appear as old ones fade.
Types
Acute urticaria – lasts 6 weeks; often triggered by infections, foods, medications, insect stings, or allergens.
Chronic urticaria – lasts 6 weeks; often no clear cause (idiopathic) or associated with autoimmune conditions.
Common Triggers
Foods: nuts, shellfish, eggs, strawberries
Medications: antibiotics, NSAIDs
Infections: viral illnesses
Physical triggers: cold, heat, pressure, sunlight
Stress or exercise
Symptoms
Raised, red or skin-colored welts
Intense itching
Welts that change size and location
Swelling (angioedema) of lips/eyelids in some cases
