What are hives and how do they look like?

Allergic reaction: Hives, or urticaria, are typically red, itchy, and perhaps swollen or raised areas of skin that are often an allergic reaction to something (a food, bug bite, or medicine, etc). Treatment is usually to stop the medicine or avoid the food. Antihistamines (benadryl, claritin) are often helpful. In more severe cases, steroids can be used.

See Below: Hives are raised reddish ithcy spots that appear more red on the edges and more pale in the center. They can occur anywhere on the body and one individual spot does not normally last for more than 24 hours. See picture.