Hives
Hives can occur anywhere on the body and appears as raised, red welts that vary in size and are often itchy. Urticaria occurs when the body releases a substance called histamine into the blood, which can cause symptoms like redness, itching and swelling.
This can happen because of:
- an allergy to a food, substance, insect bite or sting
- infection
- medication
- a physical trigger such as friction from tight clothing, or exposure to heat or cold