Redness, itching, and welts
Hives are red or pale lumps that may be itchy, burning, or painful. They can appear anywhere on the body, sometimes spreading over large areas. Welts usually go away within 24 hours, but new ones may appear elsewhere.1
Hives symptoms appear as red itchy bumps.
Image used with permission from DermNet New Zealand.
Hives symptoms can also appear as swelling or angioedema.
Image used with permission from DermNet New Zealand.
Angioedema
The term "angioedema" refers to swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. It can cause pain, tingling, burning, or itching. While it usually resolves within 24-72 hours, seek urgent medical help if you experience shortness of breath, severe swelling, or circulatory problems.
Hives can impact many aspects of your life
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References
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA PC Hives 2024. Available from https://allergy.org.au/patients/skin-allergy/urticaria-hives Accessed May 2026.
- Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA HP Position Paper Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Guidelines 2020. Available from https://allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Position_Paper_CSU_2020.pdf Accessed May 2026.
- Maurer M et al. Allergy 2011; 66:317–330.
- Maurer M et al. Allergy 2017; 72: 2005-2016.