Hives

Each year about 15% of all Americans experience hives on the skin or angioedema (swelling of the throat tissues) due to allergic reactions. Hives are an allergic reaction often due to food or plants. The reaction is characterized by a raised, itchy area of skin. It can be rounded or flat-topped, but it is always elevated above the surrounding skin. Treatment for hives usually involves identifying and avoiding the allergic catalyst. Anti-histamine over-the-counter medications can help temporarily relieve the itch. Hives can disappear as quickly as it appears.