Allergic Diseases

The Division of Allergic Diseases of Mayo Clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of angioedema and urticaria.

Urticaria is the medical term for hives. Hives are red swellings of the skin that occur in groups on any part of the skin. Angioedema is a swelling similar to urticaria, but the swelling is beneath the skin rather than on the surface. Urticaria and angioedema often occur together. There are also many classifications of urticaria and angioedema including acute, chronic, physical, urticaria with inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), hereditary angioedema and acquired C1 esterase inhibitor-deficiency.

To diagnose and develop a treatment for angioedema and urticaria, specialists perform a compressive history and physical examination as well as appropriate laboratory testing and referral to other specialists as needed.