Hives

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition where raised, well-defined welts (wheals) suddenly appear on the skin, often accompanied by itching.
These can be round or map-shaped, varying in size, and sometimes merge into larger areas.
A key feature is that the lesions disappear within several hours to 24 hours without leaving marks.
Although allergic reactions to foods, medications, or plants can trigger hives, in most cases the exact cause cannot be identified.
Even when the trigger is unknown, symptoms usually resolve spontaneously and leave no trace.

Diagnosis is primarily based on a medical interview (history taking).
When necessary, blood tests and allergy testing are performed to identify possible underlying causes or to determine the type of urticaria.
In many cases, however, even after detailed testing, the specific trigger may remain unknown.

When symptoms are severe or prolonged, treatment focuses on relieving discomfort and preventing recurrence.

• Antihistamine medication is typically prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation.
• In persistent cases, the doctor may consider additional therapies or refer for further investigation.