US Medical Term · symptoms
Hives
Urticaria
Also: Ronchas (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Hives |
| Spanish (Español) | Urticaria |
| Chinese (中文) | 蕁麻疹 |
| Korean (한국어) | 두드러기 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nổi mề đay |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pamamantal na pantal |
| Portuguese (Português) | Urticária |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ลมพิษ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 蕁麻疹 |
What it means
Hives are raised, itchy welts on the skin that appear suddenly and can occur anywhere on the body. They are usually caused by an allergic reaction to foods, medications, insect stings, or environmental triggers such as pollen or latex. Stress and infections can also cause hives. Most cases resolve within hours to a few days. Seek emergency care if hives are accompanied by swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness, as these signs may indicate anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with epinephrine.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I broke out in hives after eating shellfish.
Me salieron ronchas después de comer mariscos.
I have itchy raised welts all over my arms and stomach.
Tengo ronchas con picazón en los brazos y el estómago.
The hives come and go throughout the day.
Las ronchas aparecen y desaparecen durante el día.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
L50 UrticariaRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026