Urticaria (commonly known as hives) manifests as sudden emergence of raised, red, itchy welts or wheels on the skin, frequently accompanied by swelling of the lips and eyelids. These welts vary in size and shape and can appear and disappear within hours, often causing discomfort and irritation. Urticaria can be acute, lasting for less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for longer durations, and it manifests in various forms triggered by a multitude of factors.

The development of urticaria is typically attributed to the release of histamine and other chemicals from mast cells in the skin, causing blood vessels to leak fluid and resulting in swelling and itching. Triggers for urticaria encompass a wide range, including allergens like certain foods, medications, insect stings, physical stimuli such as pressure or temperature changes, autoimmune factors, and emotional stressors. The diversity of triggers contributes to the complexity of diagnosing and managing this condition.