Glossary

Hives (urticaria)

Raised, itchy patches on the skin, and one of the main signs that suggest an allergy. If widespread hives come with rapidly increasing swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or with shortness of breath, it may be a severe allergic reaction: call 112 (or your local emergency number).

Articles that mention this term

Safety CentreAllergic Reactions in Aesthetic Treatments: Symptoms from Redness to Anaphylaxis and What to DoHow to recognise an allergic reaction in aesthetic treatments: local redness, cream or anaesthetic allergy, fainting, and anaphylaxis needing 112.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreAfter Botulinum Toxin: Lying Down, Exercise, Massage, AlcoholLying down, bending over, exercise, massage, alcohol, saunas and flying after botulinum toxin: which rules rest on research, which on habit? Warning signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreAfter Fillers: When Is It an Emergency? Vascular Occlusion and Other Warning SignsWhich symptoms after filler are normal and which are urgent? Signs of vascular occlusion, vision problems, infection and allergy; what to do first.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesMesotherapy: What Is It, What Is It Used For, and What Does the Evidence Say?What mesotherapy is and how effective it is for skin and hair: the limits of the evidence, risks of unknown mixtures and possible side effects.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesLaser Tattoo Removal: How Many Sessions, Which Colours Are Difficult, What Are the Risks?How does laser tattoo removal work, why are many sessions needed, why do colours respond differently, what are the risks? A realistic patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesCryolipolysis (Fat Reduction by Cooling): Who Is It For, How Effective Is It, and What Are the Risks?How cryolipolysis reduces local fat by cooling, who it suits, when results show, and which side effects and rare risks exist. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreBruising and Swelling: How Long Do They Last after an Aesthetic Treatment, How Can They Be Reduced and When Should You Worry?How long do bruising and swelling last after an aesthetic treatment, how can they be reduced, which signs are not normal? Cold compresses, risks, warnings.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreProblems after a Thread Lift: Dimpling, Palpable Threads, Asymmetry and Infection — What Can Be Done?Problems after a thread lift: dimpling, palpable or protruding threads, asymmetry, infection. What is normal, when to see a physician, what can be done?Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

Full glossary

This content is for information only and does not replace an examination or medical assessment. Ask your physician about your own situation.

This section contains no advertising, sponsored content or prices. Editorial Principles