Terminology for Allergic Wheal
An allergic wheal is also known as a "hive" or medically termed "urticaria." 1
Alternative Names
The following terms are used interchangeably in clinical practice:
- Hives - the common lay term for urticarial lesions 1
- Urticaria - the formal medical terminology 1
- Welts - another colloquial term used to describe the raised lesions 1
Clinical Definition
Wheals are defined as itchy, erythematous, raised, circumscribed lesions with central pallor that blanch with pressure and typically resolve within 24 hours. 1, 2
The characteristic features include:
- Pruritic (itchy) raised plaques with surrounding erythema 1, 3
- Transient nature - individual lesions resolve without a trace, typically within 2-3 hours to 24 hours 1, 4
- Edematous appearance due to increased vascular permeability 3, 2
Important Clinical Distinction
Wheals should be distinguished from angioedema, which represents deeper swelling of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue lasting up to 72 hours. 1 While wheals and angioedema frequently coexist (in approximately 40% of cases), they represent distinct manifestations of the same underlying mast cell-mediated process. 2