Hives

Trunk of woman's body covered in hives, with close-up of hives

Most hives (urticaria) are an allergic skin reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy bumps of different shapes and sizes. Patches of hives may combine to form raised, reddened skin over large areas of the body. Hives are often minor, but they can also be the first sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that requires emergency care.

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerRohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology

Current as ofSeptember 29, 2016

Current as of: September 29, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology