Hives are raised red welts of various size on the surface of the
skin, often itchy, which come and go. Also called urticaria, hives
is usually part of an allergic reaction to drugs or food. The term
"dermatitis" describes an inflammatory response of the skin, caused
by contact with allergens or irritants, exposure to sunlight, or by
poor circulation, even stress. AVOID SCRATCHING. Scratching the
rash may spread the inflammation, lead to infection and even leave
scars.
Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic
Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
