Urticaria is a skin condition which is characterised by sudden appearance of raised and red itchy bumps (hives) on the surface of the skin. These bumps have burning and stinging sensation and may vary in sizes.

 These are rashes/hives which looks similar to a swelling is the skin’s allergic reaction, when the body’s immune system comes in contact with a certain allergen.

Urticaria occurs in all races and both sexes. Urticaria can be acute or chronic, spontaneous or inducible. Acute urticaria last for less than six weeks whereas chronic urticaria continues for more than six weeks

Causes

• Food
• Medications
• Inhaled or contact allergens
• Infection
• Physical triggers – Excessive heat, cold, etc
• Underlying medical conditions

Sign and symptoms

Hives can appear anywhere on the body.

• Hives can be seen in the form of raised bumps, tiny spots or raised lines.
• They appear in multiple numbers
• Burning and stinging sensation at the site of the lesions
• Different sizes and shapes.
• Red, pink, or skin coloured hives
• Intense itching
• On applying pressure the centre of the bump may fade
• Puffiness can be due to swelling under the skin
• In extreme cases, some people may suffer from anaphylactic shock which causes difficulty in breathing and ultimately choking. This is a life threatening reaction.

Treatment 

• At home you can have cold water baths, wear loose clothing’s or apply cold pressings.
• Avoid identified triggering factors like excessive heat, spicy food, alcohol
• Allergy medications-Anti histamines or hydrocortisone is given for itching and swelling
• Oral corticosteroids or topical steroids are prescribed if symptoms persists.
• In case of anaphylactic shock emergency help is needed.