Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition that can affect children and adults. They often appear as raised, itchy patches that may be red, pink, or similar in color to the surrounding skin. The welts can change shape, disappear, and return in different areas of the body.
Although hives are often temporary, symptoms that persist or repeatedly return over several weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What Causes Hives?
Hives develop when certain immune cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause small blood vessels to leak fluid into the surrounding skin. This leads to the raised, itchy welts commonly associated with the condition.
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