Urticana (Hives)

Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly — either as a result of the body’s reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons . 

Urticaria occurs when the body reacts to an allergen and releases histamine and other chemicals from under the surface of the skin. The histamine and chemicals cause inflammation and fluid to accumulate under the skin, causing wheals.

• Although hives are very common, and their cause is often elusive
• Hives can change size rapidly and move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours
• Ordinary hives flare up suddenly
• Occasionally hives are produced by direct physical stimulation by environmental forces like heat, cold, and sunlight
• Antihistamines are the most common treatment for hives
• Hives typically are not associated with long-term or serious complications.