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