Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin reaction characterized by raised, red, itchy welts or bumps. The signs and symptoms of hives include:
- Raised welts or bumps: Hives typically appear as raised, red or pink welts on the skin. These welts can vary in size and shape and may merge together to form larger areas of swelling.
- Itching: One of the hallmark symptoms of hives is intense itching. The itching sensation may be mild to severe and can be very distressing.
- Redness: The affected areas of skin may be red or pink in color. The redness is often more pronounced around the edges of the welts.
- Swelling: Hives can cause swelling, either in small patches or over larger areas of the body. Swelling may occur in the lips, eyelids, hands, feet, or other parts of the body.
- Blanched appearance: When you press the center of a hive, it may turn white or pale temporarily before returning to its red color. This is known as blanching.
- Pain or discomfort: In some cases, hives may be accompanied by pain or discomfort, especially if they are large or if they occur in sensitive areas of the body.
- Rapid onset: Hives can develop suddenly and may appear within minutes or hours of exposure to a trigger. They can also disappear just as quickly, often within 24 hours, although they may reappear in response to the same trigger.
It’s important to note that while hives themselves are typically harmless and temporary, they can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or allergic reaction. If you experience severe or persistent hives, or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, seek medical attention promptly.