Generally speaking, urticaria is harmless and leaves no scars or marks although it can often be quite distressing due to the associated pain or pruritis. Swelling effects only the dermis. Bright red flares my be associated with scratching due to accompanying pruritis. They will blanch with pressure. Oval, arciform, annular, polycyclic, serpiginous and bizarre patterns.
Size varies greatly from patient to patient and from attack to attack.
Arranged as discrete, confluent or grouped lesions. The lesions are commonly found on areas of pressure, specifically the trunk, hands and feet, lips, tongue and ears. Each lesion lasts no more than 24 hours, or else it is termed an urticarial lesion. Acute attacks last no more than 6 weeks and chronic conditions can linger for years. If a patient presents with urticaria and shortness of breath, dizziness or confusion, then they may be about to launch into an anaphylactic episode.