Hives

Hives are a skin reaction that shows up as raised, reddened welts that usually cause itching. These lesions can move around and disappear within a short time, leaving the skin without any marks.

Common causes: They can be triggered by foods, medications, insect bites, infections, or physical factors such as cold or pressure; sometimes no clear cause is identified.

When to see a doctor? It's wise to seek care when the episodes recur, last for weeks, or are accompanied by swelling of the lips or eyelids or difficulty breathing.

Which specialist treats it? The dermatologist and the allergist are the ones who usually study hives and guide their management. Seeking care early helps you understand what triggers them and cope with them better.