Hives, or urticaria, are itchy, raised welts on the skin, often pink, red, or flesh-colored.

On darker skin, they may be slightly lighter or darker than the surrounding skin tone.

While they can be painful or sting, most cases are caused by allergic reactions to food, medication, or environmental irritants.

Hives can be either acute (temporary) or chronic (persistent). Acute hives often resolve with allergy medications, while chronic hives or those linked to severe allergic reactions require more attention.

Hives are typically triggered by an allergic response. When you’re exposed to an allergen, your body releases histamines, chemicals that cause swelling, itching, and the rash associated with hives. Common triggers include pollen, food, medications, animal dander, and insect bites. Non-allergic factors, such as stress, tight clothing, exercise, infections, temperature changes, and excessive sweating, can also cause hives.

Those with allergies, existing health conditions, or infections are more prone to developing hives. Chronic hives can cause welts of various sizes and shapes, intense itching, and painful swelling around the eyes, cheeks, or lips. Symptoms may persist for over six weeks and reoccur frequently.

To find relief, a doctor can diagnose hives through a physical exam and recommend appropriate treatments.