urticaria also known as hives is an outbreak of swollen pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of the body's adverse reaction to certain allergens or for unknown reasons. hives usually cause itching but may also burn or sting. they can appear anywhere on the body including the face lips tongue throat or ears. hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate) and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques.
what do hives (urticaria) look like?