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Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria, or hives, is a raised, itchy rash that can appear anywhere on the skin. It is very common, usually harmless, and often settles on its own.
Causes & risk factors
- Allergic reactions to food, medicines or insect bites
- Infections (a common trigger)
- Heat, cold, pressure or sunlight
- Stress
- Often no clear cause (chronic hives)
Common symptoms
- Raised, red or skin-coloured welts
- Itching
- Welts that move around and fade within hours
- Swelling of skin (angioedema) at times
- Burning or stinging feeling
Tests & diagnosis
- Usually diagnosed by examination
- Allergy testing if a trigger is suspected
- Full blood count
- ESR (for long-lasting hives)
Treatment & management
- Avoiding known triggers
- Antihistamines to control itching
- Cool compresses and loose clothing
- Higher-dose or specialist treatment for chronic hives
- Most acute hives settle within days
When to see a doctor urgently
- Swelling of the throat, tongue or trouble breathing — call your local emergency number now
- Hives with dizziness or collapse — emergency (possible anaphylaxis)
- Hives lasting more than 6 weeks
- Widespread hives with fever or feeling unwell
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about urticaria (hives). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What causes hives that keep coming back?
Chronic hives often have no clear allergic cause and can relate to the immune system. They are usually controlled well with regular antihistamines.
Are hives dangerous?
Usually not, but if they come with swelling of the throat or breathing difficulty, that is an emergency needing immediate care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.