Do I Have Hives (Urticaria)?

Do you have batches of red or skin-colored welts on the body?

Do you have itching in the affected area that can be severe?

Do you have welts that vary in size (they can range from the size of a pencil eraser to a dinner plate)?

Do you have welts that change shape, and appear and fade repeatedly?

Do you have welts with clear edges?

Do you have slightly raised, pink or red swellings?

Have you noticed that when you press the center of a red welts, they turn white?

Do you have a skin rash that appear suddenly and clear up within a few weeks (the skin return to normal without scarring)?

Do you have a skin rash that persist for more than six weeks and recur frequently and unpredictably?

Do you have tightness in your chest or throat, nausea, or difficulty breathing?

Have you had any viral or bacterial infections recently?

Have you noticed that your skin rush is triggered by heat, exercise or stress?

Have you tried any new medications, herbal remedies or supplements?

Have you tried any new foods recently?

Have you traveled to a new place?

Do you have a family history of hives?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have hives. Hives are a skin rash, characterized by red, itchy welts that appear on your skin suddenly. Hives may appear anywhere on your body, including the face, but, usually appear on your trunk, arms and legs. The hallmark of hives is severe itching. It is very difficult to determent the exact cause of hives; they can be the result of an allergic reaction, but often the reason is unknown. Hives are also known as urticaria and about 20 percent of people worldwide will get hive at some point in their lives.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have hives. Hives, also called urticaria represent a skin rash with red or skin-colored bumps or welts that appear on your body suddenly. Hives can be different sizes and the small ones can join together to form larger areas. Hives appear and fade repeatedly and can last for hours before fading. Hives can be acute and chronic. Acute hives last less than six weeks and are usually triggered by an allergic reaction. Chronic hives last longer than six weeks, and the cause is more difficult to determine than in acute hives. An allergist can help you with hives.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have hives. Hives are a skin rash characterized by intense itching and the red welts on your body. Haves can be the result of an allergic reaction of your organism or some underlying medical problem such as thyroid disease, hepatitis or infection. Determining the exact cause of hives can be challenging, so your doctor or allergist will need to study your medical history in detail. Treatment includes medications called antihistamines that can help and alleviate your symptoms, especially itching. Your doctor or an allergist may recommend a combination of medications that will work best for you.