Also known as hives, it is a very common condition characterised by localised swellings of the skin known as wheals, which last for a few minutes to a few hours and often disappear on their own. It is only when it becomes a chronic condition with repeated episodes, that sometimes last for days, that treatment is required.

Triggering factors
The most common agents that can lead to an attack of urticaria are:

It seems that virtually anything in one's environment can lead to urticaria in a susceptible individual. In rare cases, severe urticaria develops into a condition called angioedema. In this condition, the swelling occurs in the deeper tissues of the skin as compared to urticaria. It especially involves the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, head and neck. Cases of angioedema have known to be so severe that they require hospitalisation.