Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy welts that appear on the skin. They are usually pink, red, or flesh-colored in lighter skin tones, and may be flesh-colored or slightly lighter or darker than the skin tone in brown or black skin tones.
Sometimes it stings or hurts. In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food, or to an environmental irritant.
In many cases, hives are an acute (temporary) problem that can be relieved with allergy medication. Most rashes clear up on their own. However, chronic (persistent) cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are more serious medical problems.
What causes hives?
Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that has been touched or ingested. When you have an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into the bloodstream. Histamines are chemicals that the body produces to defend itself against infections and other external agents.
