Affects approximately 1 in 5 people at some time during their lives. Acute urticaria has a sudden onset of symptoms that include raised, pruritic, red or skin-colored bumps, often referred to as hives or wheals that blanch when pressure is applied (i.e., the center of hive turns white when pressed). Hives can occur anywhere on the body; may reappear and disappear over short periods of time; may change shape; or be described as “moving around”. Itching associated with acute urticaria may be mild to severe and may be exacerbated by scratching, rubbing, alcoholic beverages, exercise, heat, and emotional stress.

Synonyms: hives