His whole body began to itch, and at first he brushed it off as a simple allergy. But when the symptoms worsened, doctors confirmed something far more specific: urticaria—a condition that affects nearly 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives.
Urticaria causes intensely itchy, raised patches on the skin called weals or hives. These welts can be round, ring-shaped, or merge together into larger areas. They often flare up after scratching and can appear anywhere on the body.
This reaction occurs when mast cells in the body release histamine and other chemicals into the bloodstream. The result is fluid leaking from tiny blood vessels under the skin, creating those swollen, red welts.
While the hives themselves typically fade within 24 hours, the underlying condition may take much longer to resolve.
Urticaria is often accompanied by angio-oedema—a deeper swelling under the skin that commonly affects the lips, eyelids, hands, or the inside of the mouth. Unlike hives, these swellings can last longer and tend to feel painful rather than itchy.
