Hives and Angioedema Overview

Urticaria is an allergic skin reaction that is sudden. Hives themselves slightly raised, smooth, flat bumps called wheals and bruising that usually are a little 'red in color than the surrounding skin and cause severe itching. Urticaria seems a bit 'like mosquito bites.

Angioedema is like hives, only the welts are larger and form at a deeper layer of the skin. Angioedema causes severe swelling, usually of the face, near the eyes and mouth. The swelling can also occur inside the throat, causing a dangerous situation because it can close the passage of air into the lungs.

Hives and angioedema may appear together, but usually not. Urticaria is the most common skin rash that people seek emergency medical attention. One in five have hives at some point in their lives. Angioedema is less common. Hives and angioedema can occur at any age.

The medical term for hives is urticaria.

This article does not refer to a rare hereditary angioedema and severe. Hereditary angioedema involving swelling of the entire body, including internal organs.