Hives often appears as a raised, itchy rash. There can be many causes, including exposure to an allergen, a physical trigger, such as pressure from tight clothing, or an underlying health condition.
The medical name for hives is “urticaria.” People also call it welts, wheals, or nettle rash.
Hives affects around 20% of people at some time in their lives. The issue can be chronic or acute. Acute hives lasts 6 or less, and it may result from exposure to an allergen or irritant, such as a food or touching a nettle.
Chronic urticaria is a long-term condition. Doctors do not know exactly why it happens, but it may accompany a chronic health condition or an autoimmune condition. A person with chronic urticaria may have hives every day for months or years.
It is not possible to catch hives from another person. However, in some cases, hives occurs with a contagious infection.
If a person has hives, they have a risk of developing a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Being aware of other symptoms of this condition, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, a rapid heartbeat, or lightheadedness is important. Anyone who might have anaphylaxis should receive urgent medical care.
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