The biggest difference lies in how symptoms appear. Urticaria (hives) appears suddenly and fades quickly, while eczema develops gradually. Urticaria typically lasts only a few hours to a day, whereas eczema tends to be longer-lasting and may become chronic. In terms of symptoms, eczema can involve blisters, while urticaria is characterized by raised, erythematous or white wheals.

Urticaria has a wide range of causes. Common triggers include certain foods (such as shrimp, eggs, and nuts), medications (like antibiotics and painkillers), insect bites, infections, physical stimuli such as heat, cold, or pressure, and psychological stress. Many cases are idiopathic, meaning no specific cause can be identified. The condition may result from allergic or non-allergic mechanisms. It occurs when histamine is released, causing dilation and increased permeability of blood vessels in the skin. Identifying recent food intake or environmental changes is crucial for pinpointing triggers and preventing recurrence.

The main goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms. The first-line therapy is oral antihistamines, which suppress the effects of histamine and reduce itching and swelling. For more severe or persistent cases, higher doses or additional anti-allergy medications may be used. If the symptoms are sudden and involve systemic reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, low blood pressure), corticosteroids or adrenaline injections may be necessary. When physical stimuli are the cause, avoiding such triggers becomes part of the treatment. For chronic cases, ongoing treatment along with lifestyle and stress management is important. Treatment should be based on a physician’s diagnosis and tailored to the underlying cause.

Even after recovery, urticaria can recur if exposed again to the same triggers or conditions. Preventing recurrence begins with identifying and avoiding triggers. If food or medication is involved, it’s essential to clarify the exact cause and avoid future exposure. Physical factors such as temperature changes or pressure, as well as stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep, can also provoke outbreaks—making a regular lifestyle, adequate rest, and stress management important. In chronic urticaria, taking antihistamines preventively even during symptom-free periods may help reduce the risk of recurrence. Keeping a journal to track health, diet, and activities can also help identify patterns. It’s important not to stop treatment on your own and to work with your doctor on a long-term management plan.