Urticaria is characterized by which symptom?

• A. A spreading of reddened and elevated lesions (hives)
• B. A severe airway obstruction in anaphylaxis
• C. A bacterial skin infection
• D. Chronic dermatitis

Answer: (B)

Urticaria shows up as wheals—itchy, reddened, elevated patches on the skin that can appear and spread across different areas. These hives form when mast cells release histamine, causing temporary fluid leakage into the superficial skin and creating those raised, transient lesions that may change shape and location quickly. It’s not about a blockage in the airway; that symptom belongs to anaphylaxis, a more dangerous reaction that can accompany urticaria but is not the defining feature of urticaria itself. Other skin issues listed have different presentations—bacterial infections bring warmth, redness, and often pus, while chronic dermatitis tends to be long-standing, itchy inflammation without the characteristic quick-changing hives. If signs of throat swelling, trouble breathing, or dizziness appear, that would indicate a more urgent anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate care.