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Article: Hives
- Article from:
- Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy throughAdolescence
- Author:
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2006 Thomson Gale. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Hives
Definition
Hives is an allergic skin reaction causing localized redness, swelling, and
itching
.
Description
Hives is a reaction of the body's immune system that causes areas of the skin to swell, itch, and become reddened (wheals). When the reaction is limited to small areas of the skin, it is called urticaria. Involvement of larger areas, such as whole sections of a limb, is called angioedema.
Demographics
Many children and adults experience hives at various times during their lives. As hives is not a reportable event, no accurate prevalence statistics are available.
Causes and symptoms
Hives is an allergic reaction. The body's immune system is normally ...
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