Urticaria is the medical name for hives. Nearly one in four people will experience urticaria at least once. A case of urticaria means itchy hives and sometimes also swelling of the eyelids, lips, or skin elsewhere on the body (angioedema).

A small number of patients develop chronic urticaria – that is, the symptoms last longer than six weeks. Recurring episodes of hives and itching can, over time, seriously impact the patient’s quality of life.

• Definitions
• Causes and triggers
• Symptoms and effects
• Progression
• Diagnosis
• Therapy
• Tips