Overview
Urticaria is the medical term for hives. Hives form when an allergen (something that causes an allergic reaction, such as a lotion, food, or drug) initiates a response from the body's immune system. A chemical in our bodies called histamine is released from cells, which causes small red, soft bumps to appear on the skin. Hives look similar to and are often mistaken for bug bites. They are very itchy and can appear all over the body once an allergen is encountered. A single hive can last for a few hours before fading, during which time new hives may appear.
Although sometimes the exact cause of hives is unknown, the following is a list of possible triggers: foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and eggs; environmental allergies such as pollen, trees, and animal dander; and medications such as antibiotics, aspirin, and painkillers.
