Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of the body's reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons. Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting.

Hives/ Urticaria are a red, raised, itchy skin rash that is sometimes triggered by an allergen. An allergen is something that produces an allergic reaction.

​

It is also known as urticaria, welts, weals, or nettle rash.

When an allergic reaction occurs, the body releases a protein called histamine. When histamine is released, the tiny blood vessels known as capillaries leak fluid. The fluid accumulates in the skin and causes a rash.

Hives affect around 20 percent of people at some time in their life.

It is not contagious.

​

• Urticaria is classified according to its duration.

• Acute urticaria ( 6 weeks duration, and often gone within hours to days)

• Chronic urticaria ( 6 weeks duration, with daily or episodic weals)

• Chronic urticaria may be spontaneous or inducible. Both types may co-exist.