Definition

• Itchy swollen patches or bumps that appear suddenly
• Location, size, and shape of patches change rapidly and repeatedly, with any one patch lasting from several minutes to several hours
• Size of patches varies from a 1/2 inch to several inches across
• In Caucasians, hives appear pink or red in color, with a central area of paleness

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Rash doesn't look like hives, see RASH - WIDESPREAD AND CAUSE UNKNOWN
• It's probably mosquito bites, see INSECT BITES