Urticaria, or hives, is a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen raised areas appear on the skin. Sometimes this is due to an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medicines; however, in many cases the cause remains unknown. Hives can vary in size from one-half inch to several inches in size. Hives can appear all over the body or be limited to one part of the body.
Angioedema is swelling in the deeper layers of the skin and can last a few hours to a few days. It most commonly occurs on the hands, feet, and face (lips, tongue, and eyes).
Treatment of acute urticaria and angioedema involves antihistamines (examples are diphenhydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine) and sometimes systemic steroids, such as prednisone. Management of chronic urticaria consists of symptom control with regular use of antihistamines as first line treatment and avoidance of triggers. There may be other appropriate treatment options available that can be discussed with your doctor.
