Urticaria is commonly known as what?

Urticaria is commonly known as hives, which are characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin that can vary in size and may appear suddenly. This condition arises from various triggers, including allergic reactions, stress, or environmental factors, leading to the release of histamines in the body. The welts can be uncomfortable and may last from a few minutes to several hours, sometimes forming larger areas of swelling. The term "hives" is widely recognized and used interchangeably with urticaria in both clinical settings and general conversations.

In contrast, heat rash refers to skin irritation that occurs when sweat gets trapped in clogged pores, eczema is a term for a group of conditions that cause inflamed or irritated skin, and psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in scaling and red patches on the skin. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and underlying mechanisms that differentiate them from urticaria, making 'hives' the accurate answer.