Hives
Encyclopedia article; The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, 2009
Collections:
Religious Studies, Education, Psychology, History, Literature, Philosophy, Entire Library
...wheals) of the skin, caused by an allergic reaction (see allergy ). The swelling is caused by distention of the skin capillaries...virtually the entire body. The allergic reaction is commonly to a food or a drug, although injections of serum, insect bites, inhalants...