A skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts (wheals) that appear suddenly and can vary in size and shape. Commonly known as hives, it often results from allergic reactions.
From Latin 'urtica' meaning 'nettle,' referring to the stinging nettle plant whose touch causes similar raised, itchy bumps on the skin. The medical term captures the resemblance between allergic welts and nettle stings.
Urticaria is like your skin throwing a tantrum - it puffs up in angry red welts that can appear and disappear like magic! The welts are actually tiny localized swellings caused by blood vessels leaking fluid, which is why they can migrate around your body like nomadic bumps.
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