His body began to itch, and at first it seemed like a simple allergy. Doctors later diagnosed “urticaria,” a condition that affects nearly “1 in 5 people at some point in their lives.” It causes raised, itchy patches on the skin known as weals or hives, which can appear anywhere and often worsen after scratching.

These hives form when mast cells release histamine into the bloodstream, causing fluid to leak from small blood vessels under the skin. The result is swollen, red welts that may be round, ring-shaped, or merged together. While individual hives usually fade within 24 hours, the condition itself can last much longer.

Urticaria is often linked with “angio-oedema,” a deeper swelling beneath the skin that commonly affects the lips, eyelids, hands, or mouth. Unlike hives, this swelling tends to be painful rather than itchy and can last longer. If angio-oedema appears without hives, doctors may suspect “hereditary angio-oedema,” a separate genetic condition.

The condition is classified by duration and cause. Acute urticaria lasts up to six weeks and often has a clear trigger, while chronic urticaria continues beyond six weeks without an obvious reason. Physical urticaria can be triggered by factors like cold, pressure, heat, sunlight, or scratching.

Most hives disappear on their own, but ongoing symptoms may require treatment such as antihistamines, steroid tablets, or menthol creams. Allergies, infections, medications, stress, and illness can all make hives more likely to occur.