Urticaria is a rash that occurs over the entire body, or just a small area of skin that is intensely itchy. The rash rises above the surface of the skin and appears as a red area, sometimes accompanied by a white lump. The areas of inflammation usually vary in size and can fuse, involving large areas of skin. Urticaria usually lasts only a few hours (acute urticaria), but in some cases, it can last for months (chronic urticaria). Both acute urticaria and chronic urticaria can recur. In some cases, urticaria can occur in conjunction with a more serious condition called angioedema, and sometimes urticaria is an early sign of anaphylaxis. Hives can be caused by an allergic reaction to a specific substance, including food, pollen, animal fluff, etc. In other words, an allergic reaction to a drug or plant. This means that hives can also occur from allergies to medications or plants, as well as after insect bites. Hives are sometimes associated with viral infections, or other diseases, or other physical irritations such as pressure or temperature changes. However, when hives first appear, it is often difficult to determine the cause of the hives. Sometimes urticaria has a tendency to run in families. Acute urticaria usually disappears within a few hours and does not require treatment. Chronic urticaria may take weeks or months to go away. Certain over-the-counter medications, such as glyburide lotion or antihistamines, can help reduce itching symptoms. Commonly used antihistamines include paracetamol, cetirizine and loratadine, which provide relief from itching by being anti-allergic. If itching symptoms persist or recur and the cause of the hives is unknown, then you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will arrange for you to have a skin prick test to look for allergens. You should avoid contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Finally, you should also avoid contact with substances that can cause allergies in your life. For example, pollen and pet lint as mentioned above, as well as carp, shrimp, pork, goose, bamboo shoots, onion and garlic, and cilantro. Some people are allergic to high protein, then avoid eggs, pupae, milk, etc.