Urticaria (Hives)

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly. It's often triggered by allergens, such as certain foods, medications, or insect stings, but can also occur without an obvious cause. The immune system mistakenly releases histamines, which cause inflammation and swelling in the skin. Hives can vary in size and may last for hours to days. While they are usually harmless, persistent or severe cases may require medical treatment to manage symptoms and identify underlying triggers.