A welt is an area of skin that becomes raised after pressure is applied or an injury occurs.
Other causes include allergic reactions or infections.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for welts.
gokhanilgaz / Getty Images
gokhanilgaz / Getty Images
Symptoms of Welts
Welts can appear on theskinand come with no other symptoms.
They are typically the same color as the skin.
However, they can turn red or pink and become itchy.
Typically welts resolve within a few days, but they can become chronic and recur often.
Are Welts Considered a Rash?
Causes of Welts
Several things can cause a welt to develop on the skin.
Welts can develop when a person breaks out intohivesas well.
Other causes can include:
What Can Trigger Welts or Hives?
Some things, such as drinking alcohol and caffeine, can trigger welts in some people.
Other triggers include exposure to sunlight, exercise, and swimming.
What Medications Can Cause Welts?
How to Treat Welts
Treating welts depends on the cause.
In some cases, you could let the welts heal on their own.
Are There Tests to Diagnose Welts?
Typically, healthcare providers will be able to diagnose welts by looking at them.
That said, diagnosing thecauseof the welts requires a more in-depth approach.
Your medical provider will ask about your welts, how often they occur, and your health history.
In many cases, no further testing will be required.
Some possible tests include:
How Does an Allergy Test Work?
If a welt develops, an allergy is present.
You may not ever get them again.
Typically, you will not need to see a medical provider for an acute (temporary) case.
Chronic welts may be brought on by an underlying health issue that requires treatment.
Summary
Welts, also known as hives or wheals, are raised bumps on the skin.
In some cases, emotional stress and certain medications can bring on a bout of welts.
Typically, they develop because of mild irritations, injuries, or allergies.
If you develop welts regularly, dont hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
While most welt cases arent harmful, they can indicate a health issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but welts and hives present the same on the skin.
They appear as raised bumps that can be skin-colored, red, or pink.
Typically, they are itchy.
If an injury occurs causing the welt, there may also be pain in the area.
Several things can cause welts to develop on the skin.
Allergic reactions may be the most common cause.
However, welts can also develop because of injuries, infections, or underlying health disorders.
In some cases, the cause of the welts is unknown.
Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamines may also keep welts at bay if an allergic reaction causes them.
NHS Inform.Urticaria (Hives).
