What are Hives?

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.

Want to keep learning? Read more about:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Hives
• Dermatographism
• Cholinergic Urticaria