what is a welt on skin

A welt is a raised area of skin that can be caused by various factors such as pressure, injury, allergic reactions, or irritants. Welts are often itchy and can be red, pink, or flesh-colored, and they can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape. They can appear anywhere on the body and can last for a few hours or several days. Welts are a type of swelling on the surface of the skin and happen when your body has an allergic reaction. Hives, also known as urticaria, are a type of welt that can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medicine, or an irritant in the environment. Hives can be acute, lasting for a short time, or chronic, lasting for more than six weeks. The most noticeable symptom of hives is the welts that appear on the skin, which can be itchy, painful, and can grow larger, change shape, and spread. Treatments for welts and hives may include antihistamines, steroids, or avoiding the allergen or irritant that caused the reaction.