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Hives (Urticaria)





Hives (Urticaria)

Hives (Urticaria)

What are hives (urticaria)?

Also known as urticaria (pronounced as ur-ti-kar-ee-uh), hives are characterised as clusters of swollen, raised welts(1) on the surface of the skin which are pink, red or flesh-coloured and blanched (pale) in the centre.
Hives are mostly classified as an acute condition (i.e. temporary) and are most often triggered by an allergen (foodstuff, medication or environmental irritant). Hives can, however, occur on a frequent basis and become a chronic condition. Chronic hives are generally accompanied by severe allergic reactions which can have serious complications. They are thus not considered a contagious condition.
Close-up of a skin rash, urticaria (hives), allergic skin reaction.

What causes or triggers hives?

What causes or triggers hives?

1. Allergies


2. Other common triggers


Non-allergic triggers can include:

  • Exercise and excessive sweating (resulting in body heat-inducing hives) (3)
  • Excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures (air exposure) and high body temperature (choliner

Types of hives

Types of hives

1. Urticaria categories


  • Acute urticaria: Also referred to as ‘ordinary hives’, this category of urticaria typically resolves spontaneously within 6 to 8 weeks3. The most common underlying causes of hives are due to an allergic reaction. Some forms of acute hives can also occur with anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction). An underlying internal condition or disease causing hives can also fall into the category of acute hives.
                    Chronic urticaria: Chronic hives typically continue longer than 6 to 8 weeks(6), and occur almost daily, with recurring flare-ups ranging from months to years. It’s fairly unusual to be able to determine an exact cause of chronic hives (therefore the condition is termed idiopathic). Doctors may recommend laboratory or allergy testing when presented with signs of hives, but results do not always help to determine an underlying cause. Precise information relating to medical history, oral intake (foods, medications etc.)

2. Forms of urticaria (hives)

Young woman with allergic reaction - angioedema.


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