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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > H > Hives

Hives    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Urticaria

Symptoms

  • Itching (pruritus)
  • Swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin colored welts (wheals) with clearly defined edges
    • Sudden onset
    • Rapid resolution
    • Welts blanch to touch
  • Welts enlarge, spread, or join together to form large flat raised areas
  • Welts change shape, disappear and reappear within minutes or hours

Signs and Tests

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin, and is confirmed by a history of exposure to an allergen. Occasionally, skin or blood tests may be performed.

Ency. home > Disease > H > Hives

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