Etymed
urticaria
Definition
A skin condition characterized by itchy, raised welts or hives that appear due to an allergic reaction or other triggers
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of itchy, raised welts across her torso and arms that appeared within the last hour after she ate shellfish at dinner. She has no significant past medical history but reports similar episodes in the past that resolved with antihistamines.
Mnemonic
Hives are URTICARIA - Use Rest, Ice, Topical antihistamines, and Avoid the trigger