Hi,
Hives are red, itchy welts or swellings on the skin that often come in clusters.In doctor speak, hives are known as "urticaria".
Hives can appear anywhere on the body, cropping up either in one small area or covering large patches of skin. They most often occur as part of an allergic reaction.
Hives usually appear suddenly and go away on their own in a matter of days, hours, or even minutes. Chronic hives, however, can last for six weeks or more.