What Are Hives?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts, or hives, can vary in size and shape and may appear anywhere on the body. The condition can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for six weeks or longer. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), also referred to as chronic idiopathic urticaria, is a form of hives with no identifiable cause that can produce hives, itching, and angioedema (swelling beneath the skin)1.

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of hives can often be difficult to determine, especially in chronic cases. Acute hives are typically triggered by allergic reactions to foods, medications, insect stings, or other allergens. In contrast, chronic hives may not have an identifiable trigger and can be associated with underlying health conditions such as autoimmune disorders. Environmental factors, stress, and infections can also contribute to the development of hives1 2.

Impact on Quality of Life

Hives can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, particularly when they are chronic. The itching and discomfort associated with hives can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, and social embarrassment. Tools like the Urticaria Activity and Impact Measure (U-AIM) and the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) have been developed to assess the severity and impact of hives on patients’ daily lives. These tools measure factors such as itch severity, the number of hives, and the overall activity of the condition over a week1 2.

Measurement and Monitoring

The U-AIM is a patient-reported measure designed to assess CSU activity and its impact over the previous seven days. It includes items for itch severity, the number of hives, and the presence of angioedema. Studies have shown that the U-AIM is valid and responsive to changes in CSU activity, making it a useful tool for clinicians to monitor the condition and track treatment effectiveness1.

Similarly, the UAS, particularly the UAS7, is another widely used measure that evaluates the intensity of pruritus (itching) and the number of hives over a week. Enhanced instructions for the UAS have improved its reliability and validity, making it a robust tool for clinical research and practice. The UAS7 score is calculated as the sum of daily scores for pruritus and the number of hives, providing a comprehensive overview of the disease activity2.

Conclusion

Hives, or urticaria, are a prevalent skin condition that can significantly affect individuals’ quality of life, especially in chronic cases. While the exact causes can be elusive, various tools like the U-AIM and UAS7 help in assessing and monitoring the condition, aiding clinicians in providing better care for patients.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.