Urticaria vs Eczema

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Urticaria
Eczema
Category
Common
Common
Key feature
Raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly. Usually from allergic reactions, stress, or infections. Most cases resolve within 24 hours.
Red, itchy, inflamed skin - the most common chronic skin condition in children. Part of the atopic triad with asthma and hay fever.
Risk factors
Allergies (food, medications, insect stings); Viral infections (common trigger in children); Stress
Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever; Filaggrin gene mutations (skin barrier dysfunction); Living in dry or cold climates
Action needed
Hives accompanied by difficulty breathing or throat swelling (emergency - call 911)
Eczema not controlled with regular moisturizing and over-the-counter hydrocortisone

Urticaria

Urticaria (hives) presents as raised, itchy, well-defined welts (wheals) that can appear anywhere on the body. Individual wheals are characteristically transient - each one typically lasts less than 24 hours, though new ones may continue to appear.

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Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing red, itchy, dry, and sometimes weeping or crusting patches. It is the most common chronic skin disease in children, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

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Does yours look more like urticaria?

Quick self-check

Does this look like urticaria? Answer 2 questions.

Are there raised, itchy welts that come and go within hours?

Did they appear suddenly after food, medication, or stress?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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