It is an acute skin condition, an allergic or a hypersensitivity reaction that occurs more commonly in women then in men. All age groups are effected.

The character of the skin lesion that occurs are itchy, elevated patches that are red in color that vary in size from a small Acne-like eruption to a large sized blotch. Each episode of attack is usually short lasting. The itchy patches changes locations-dissapearing in one location and appearing in another and are extremely sensitive to touch. The swelling that appears in the deeper skin layers along with the skin manifestation is called Angioneurotic edema. The Mast cells in the blood release a chemical called Histamine which causes the blood vessels to leak. This fluid collects under the skin and causes the swellling. The swelling usually appears under the eyes, ankles, lips, face, hands etc. An episode can be a minor one where there is mild itching to a severe one that is dramatic in appearence where there is severe itching, swelling of the lips, face, appearence of big red blotches and the distress of the person is evident.

Most of the time, it is difficult to pinpoint the reasons why Hives occurs in certain people.The Allergic or hypersensitivity reaction is caused by many factors- use of certain soaps, detergents, coloring agents, chemicals used in make-up, certain perfumes, certain foods like meats, sea food, high pollen counts, changes in weather, changes in water, mental stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, irregularity of the menstrual cycle, history of repeated urinary tract infections, post partum (after delivery) urticaria etc.

The standard practice in the main stream medicine is to prescribe Anti-Histamine medication for the patient everytime there is a flare-up or an acute episode of Urticaria.