hives

(noun)

Itchy, swollen, red areas of the skin which can appear quickly in response to an allergen or due to other conditions.

Related Terms

Examples of hives in the following topics:

  • Type I (Anaphylactic) Reactions

    • Symptoms typically include raised bumps on the skin (; hives), itchiness, red face or skin (flushing), or swollen lips.
    • Hives and flushing on the back of a person with anaphylaxis
    • Hives and flushing on the back of a person with anaphylaxis

  • Allergic Responses to Drugs

    • Other less severe symptoms of an allergic reaction can include, hives, angioedema (tissue swelling under the skin, often on the face), tight throat, coughing, wheezing, or watery eyes.
    • Signs include CNS symptoms such as confusion or lightheadedness, respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, gastrointestinal issues such as pain or vomiting, skin issues such as hives or itchiness, vascular symptoms such as change in heart rate or low blood pressure, and swelling of the mouth or eyes.

  • Viral Skin Diseases

    • At first the rash appears similar to the first appearance of hives.
    • However, unlike hives, herpes zoster causes skin changes limited to a dermatome, normally resulting in a stripe or belt-like pattern that is limited to one side of the body and does not cross the midline.

  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergy

    • This response will range from a slight reddening of the skin to a full-blown hive (called "wheal and flare") similar to a mosquito bite in more sensitive patients.