Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an itchy skin rash that affects 20% of people. Hives are generally not dangerous by themselves, but can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction, which can be life-threatening. Either way, hives make people miserable, and yet are easily treated. Usually, hives last only a short period of time, but when symptoms occur for more than 6 weeks, it is termed "chronic urticaria".
Up to 30% of people with chronic urticaria have symptoms triggered by a physical trigger, such as pressure and heat. Dermatographism is a common form of physical urticaria characterized by red, itchy bumps and lines on the skin as a result of pressure on the skin or with stroking the skin. Cholinergic urticaria is a common form of hives caused by increased heat exposure. Symptoms of small, itchy red bumps occur after hot showers, exercise, eating spicy foods and from sweating in general.
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