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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffHives — also known as urticaria (ur-tih-KAR-e-uh) — are raised, red, itchy welts (wheals, or swellings) of various sizes that seem to appear and disappear on your skin. Angioedema, a type of swelling, causes large welts deeper in your skin, especially near your eyes and lips.
In most cases, hives and angioedema are harmless and don't leave any lasting marks, even without treatment. The most common treatment for hives and angioedema is antihistamine medications. Serious angioedema can be life-threatening if swelling causes your throat or tongue to block your airway and leads to loss of consciousness.
- Urticaria — hives. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/skin_urticaria.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008
- Allergic skin conditions. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/allergicskinconditions.stm. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
- Habif TP. Urticaria and angioedema. In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Inc; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/108133988-3/0/1195/29.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50008-X--cesec5_428. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
- Bingham CO III. An overview of angioedema. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
- Bingham CO III. Etiology and diagnosis of urticaria. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
- Bingham CO III. Treatment of urticaria. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
- Simmons FER, et al. Anaphylaxis: Rapid recognition and treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
- Atkinson JP, et al. Pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of hereditary angioedema. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 30, 2008.
