Hives (Urticaria) 

Hives are red, swollen, itchy areas of the skin.  They often look like mosquito bites but may be much larger and are typically round and raised off of the skin.  A person often develops many of the bumps at one time all over their body. The hives tend to move around and do not stay in one place very long.  

Up to 25% of people experience at least one episode of hives in their lifetime.  If hives occur for only a few days or weeks, they are considered acute.  Symptoms lasting longer than several weeks are considered chronic.  For cases of acute hives, possible causes include a viral infection, food allergy, medications (over-the-counter or prescription), insect allergy, or latex.  Acute episodes of hives typically go away on their own.   Chronic hives can last for several months or even years.  Many cases of chronic hives are caused by an internal immune reaction that leads to histamine release in their skin.  A number of people will have symptoms that are triggered by medications, foods, or physical triggers (such as scratching their skin, cold or hot environments, or exercise).   

An experienced allergist/immunologist will help identify any possible allergic triggers, order appropriate testing, and design an individual treatment plan that will effectively treat the hives.