Urticaria definition and how do I pronounce it?

There is a lot of misinformation on what urticaria (hives) is and what it is caused by. It can be shortlived or occur for many months or years. Sometimes the cause is known but more often there is no known trigger.¹

Urticaria, pronounced Urr-Tick-Area is a group of skin conditions that are characterised by itchy or sometimes burning, persistent hives, painful swelling or both. They may feel like an itchy mosquito bite. The hives last between 1 hour and several days and the affected skin remains unbroken and they do not leave a permanent mark.¹ The hives are always itchy and may also have a burning sensation or be painful. Angioedema, or swelling within the deeper layers of the skin can also be present.

Hives alone occurs in about 40% of people, hives and swelling (angioedema) occurs in 40% of people and swelling alone occurs in about 20% of people.²

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