SC Hives Hives Chapter 12. Skin Conditions Hives, or urticaria, are red, raised, itchy welts. They appear, sometimes in clusters, on the face, trunk of the body, and, less often, on the scalp, hands, or feet.
Hives can change shape, fade, then rapidly reappear.
A single hive lasts less than 24 hours. After an attack, though, new ones may crop up for up to 6 weeks. According to estimates, nearly 20 percent of Americans will get hives at some time in their lives. Sometimes it is not known what causes hives. Don't take hot baths or showers.