Hives or urticaria
Key points
- Lasting for minutes or days, hives (also called wheals or welts) are large, itchy red bumps on the skin.
- These hives can be one or many bumps, and vary greatly in size and shape.
- Hives are generally not an emergency, but when they appear suddenly, spread rapidly and are accompanied by a swollen throat, tightness of the chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing, this indicates a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
- Hives can also last for a longer period and are then referred to as chronic urticaria.
Lasting for minutes or days, hives (also called wheals or welts) are large, itchy red bumps on the skin. Hives can also last for a longer period and are then referred to as chronic urticaria.
These hives can be one or many bumps, and vary greatly in size and shape. Although they more commonly appear on the arms, legs and trunk, they can appear anywhere on the body as a result of the body's reaction to factors such as certain foods, pollen, animal dander, drugs, insect bites, cold, heat, light or emotional stress. Histamine causes the hives to form.
Hives are generally not an emergency, but when they appear suddenly, spread rapidly and are accompanied by a swollen throat, tightness of the chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing, this indicates a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Lungs, Asthma & Allergies →NewsPromising new target may treat pulmonary fibrosis
By uncovering the mechanism by which fibrous tissue cells in the lung multiply, researchers at The Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), along with colleagues in Mexico and Canada, have…
19 March 2015
NewsBariatric surgery appears to cut risks for serious asthma-related events
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators suggests that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce the risk of asthma attacks - also called exacerbations - in obese patients with asthma. Their…
14 March 2015
NewsRisk of motor vehicle accidents is higher in people with sleep apnea
A new study finds that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a significantly increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, and this risk is reduced when sleep apnea is treated effectively using continuous positive…
