What is the medical term for hives, or an eruption of wheals on the skin?

The medical term for hives, characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin, is "urticaria." This condition arises due to various factors, including allergic reactions, stress, or certain medications. Urticaria involves the release of histamine from mast cells, leading to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the skin, resulting in the distinct wheals that are often swollen and itchy.

In contrast, "tinnitus" refers to the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, which is unrelated to skin conditions. "Tonsillitis" pertains to the inflammation of the tonsils, typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, and does not involve skin eruptions. A "vesicle" is a small, fluid-filled blister that can occur on the skin but specifically describes a type of lesion and is not interchangeable with generalized skin reactions like hives. Therefore, urticaria is the precise medical term that accurately describes the symptoms and nature of hives.