Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition marked by red, raised, and itchy welts that vary in size and may appear anywhere on the body. These lesions often resolve within 24 hours but may recur, especially in chronic forms. Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells, leading to fluid leakage in the skin’s capillaries and resulting in swollen welts. While the condition is generally benign and transient, it can significantly impact quality of life, especially when it includes angioedema—swelling that affects deeper skin layers and can become dangerous if it involves the throat or tongue.

Urticaria is categorized mainly into acute (lasting less than six weeks) and chronic (lasting more than six weeks), with triggers ranging from allergic reactions, infections, physical stimuli (like pressure or sunlight), to emotional stress. In many chronic cases, no clear cause is identified, and autoimmune processes may be involved. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination and history, and treatment focuses on symptom relief using antihistamines, corticosteroids in severe cases, and avoiding known triggers. Although often manageable, urticaria can be distressing, especially when persistent or severe.