urticaria

American  

[ur-ti-kair-ee-uh] / ˌɜr tɪˈkɛər i ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a transient condition of the skin, usually caused by an allergic reaction, characterized by pale or reddened irregular, elevated patches and severe itching; hives.

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urticaria British  

/ ˌɜːtɪˈkɛərɪə /

noun

1. Nontechnical names: hives.   nettle rash.  a skin condition characterized by the formation of itchy red or whitish raised patches, usually caused by an allergy

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urticaria Scientific  

/ ûr′tĭ-kâr′ē-ə /

1. See hives

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Other Word Forms

• urticarial adjective

Etymology

Origin of urticaria

1765–75; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin urtīc ( a ) nettle + -āria, feminine of -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

Cold urticaria can be triggered by swimming or other water activities, as well as touching or eating cold foods and drinks, according to Anaphylaxis UK.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

In the realm of additives, substances like tartrazine and sodium benzoate emerge as potential instigators of urticaria and asthma.

From Salon • Jan. 8, 2024

In those with solar urticaria, the body develops an immediate allergic reaction to one of the cellular components changed by sunlight.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Dr. Mansi Kanuga, an allergy specialist at the Mayo Clinic, says there are a "variety of theories" about the cause of cholinergic and solar urticaria, but "the specific underlying mechanism is not well understood".

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2021

The character of the eruption in the erythematous type resembles closely that of erythema multiforme and of urticaria, especially the former.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman