Urticaria
Urticaria, the medical term for hives, are itchy wheals on the skin typically caused by the release of histamine from allergy cells (Mast cells and basophils). Many patients with hives also develop angioedema, swelling of the skin or of the mucosa.
Hives
Hives are extremely itchy and can occur anywhere on the body. They range in size from 1/8" up to the size of a quarter. Hives usually disappear within a 24-hour period, leaving the skin without any marks or bruising.
It's important to recognize how long you have hives for when talking with your doctor as there are varying cases and treatments depending on duration of hives.
