Hives: Raised, well-circumscribed lesions that may be pale in the center and red at the edge.

Pruritus: Itching that can range from mild to very intense.

Evanescent Character: One of the most distinctive characteristics is that individual welts usually disappear in less than 24 hours without leaving a mark, although new ones may appear on other areas of the body.

In some cases, urticaria may be accompanied by angioedema, a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. Angioedema commonly affects the eyelids, lips, hands, feet, or genitals and can cause a feeling of tightness or pain. If angioedema affects the throat or tongue, it can make breathing difficult and is considered a medical emergency.

Types of Urticaria

Urticaria is primarily classified according to its duration:

Acute Urticaria: This is the most common form. Outbreaks last less than six weeks, and the cause is often identifiable.

Chronic Urticaria: Diagnosed when outbreaks persist for more than six weeks. In many cases of chronic urticaria, the specific cause is difficult to determine, which is known as chronic spontaneous (or idiopathic) urticaria.

In addition, there is inducible or physical urticaria, in which the hives are triggered by a specific external stimulus, such as:

Dermographism: The appearance of hives when scratching or rubbing the skin.

Cold Urticaria: Triggered by exposure to cold.

Pressure Urticaria: Caused by sustained pressure on the skin (e.g., by tight clothing).

Solar Urticaria: Induced by exposure to sunlight.

Cholinergic Urticaria: Related to an increase in body temperature, such as during exercise or a hot bath.

Common Causes of Urticaria

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