What is Hives (Urticaria) and Angioedema?
Hives are weals over the skin are medically known as urticaria. There are many types and causes of urticaria but most often urticaria occurs due to an unknown cause. It is an allergic phenomenon. Angioedema is similar to Urticaria but it affects a deeper skin layer. What are the symptoms of Urticaria and Angioedema? Urticaria presents as red itchy lesions over the skin that are raised over rest of the skin area. They occur in various shapes and sizes. Urticaria can occur anywhere on the body. It is very common disease and cause often is unknown. It resolves by itself and is rarely life-threatening. Angioedema can spread rapidly leading to skin rash and swelling. If it involves the throat it may lead to difficulty in breathing and can be life threatening.
