Urticaria are raised, red, itchy areas of the skin which are commonly known as hives, wheals or welts. The quantity, color, and shapes of hives can vary. The color can vary from light pink to dark red, depending on the amount of fluid build up. The shape of the wheals are usually round, although bizarre patterns occasionally develop. They can last from a few hours to several weeks or months.
Hives are usually the result of an allergic reaction that causes a release of histamine from cells in the skin. The histamine then causes the blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid, causing the skin to swell. This swelling irritates the nerve endings, which results in the itching sensation.
The common factors that are known to induce hives are food allergens, environmental factors, drugs, infections and infestations, synthetic products, emotional factors, systemic and general disease, physical factors and idiopathic causes.
oh great. just what i need. another allergic reaction. since it can be caused by practically evrything and anything, dont think i'll find the cause. i didnt know that my skin can be in such a blotchy state. anw, it's kinda strange. cos i was alright in sch but got progressively worse when i got home. so kathy, i did get tricked and shld have listened to you. perhaps i have drucula hives. they only come out at night. hahaz... sorry but the itch is too distracting for me to think much else.