Hives vs Angioedema: What Is the Difference?

Hives, also called urticaria, are usually pink or skin-coloured raised patches that itch or sting and change shape. Individual welts often fade while new ones appear. Angioedema affects deeper layers, creating firm or tight swelling rather than a surface welt. It may feel painful, warm or numb and can last longer. The face, lips, eyelids, hands and feet are common sites. Hives and angioedema can be caused by an allergic trigger, infection, medicine or another mechanism; recurrent episodes may need a more detailed review.

Note foods, medicines, insect stings, infections, heat, pressure and timing around each episode. Avoid a suspected trigger until a clinician has assessed it, but do not remove many foods from a child’s or adult’s diet without guidance. Oral antihistamine treatment may help hives in suitable patients. A clinician may consider oral corticosteroid treatment for selected severe episodes; never use someone else’s prescription. Cool compresses and loose clothing can reduce irritation.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, wheezing, faintness, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms. These may signal a severe allergic reaction. Seek medical advice for repeated swelling, abdominal pain with episodes, bruising or painful lesions, or symptoms that do not settle, because different forms of angioedema need different evaluation.

Are these hives, angioedema or both? Could a medicine, food or infection be contributing? What should I take during another episode? Do I need an emergency plan or specialist assessment?