Final answer:
Urticaria, or hives, is an allergic reaction that can be caused by foods, skin pressure, or temperature changes. It involves a wheal and flare response and can sometimes escalate to anaphylaxis. Treatments include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and avoiding known allergens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Urticaria, commonly referred to as hives, is a condition that results from an allergic response which can be triggered by certain foods, pressure on the skin, and/or temperature changes. These allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe, and in some extreme cases, they may progress to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening response that requires immediate medical attention. Hives are characterized by a wheal and flare response: a soft, pale swelling on the skin surrounded by a reddened area. This occurs due to histamine release which causes fluid leakage from blood vessels and increased blood flow to the affected area.
Hives often manifest alongside other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and red eyes. Management of allergy symptoms includes the avoidance of known allergens when possible and the use of medications like antihistamines, corticosteroid creams, and immunosuppressants to control the immune system's overreaction. In the case of eczema, treatment often involves moisturizers in addition to these medications. Skin testing by allergists can help identify specific allergens responsible for triggering responses in individuals with hypersensitivities.