Brief Answer:
Hives

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,

From the pictures you uploaded, this appears to be hives (urticaria).

Hives can come on from an allergic reaction such as to a food (peanuts, nuts, shellfish are common culprits but it can be from any food), medications, supplements, food XXXXXXX laundry detergent (especially if it has fragrance or dyes), laundry dryer sheets, soaps (especially with fragrance), lotions, or contact with animals, and from insect bites or stings.

It can also come on after a viral infection and also in people who have autoimmune disorders (such as thyroid disease).

And sometimes we never figure out what caused it.

In severe cases it can cause mouth or throat swelling and difficulty breathing, and in those situations you need to get to the ER.

Otherwise, you can take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 50 mg every 6-8 hours or cetirizine (Zyrtec) 10 mg twice a day.

But if that doesn't hold it adequately, then do go in to see a doctor who will likely give you a short course of corticosteroid such as Prednisone. A steroid will decrease your body's immune response which is causing the hives.

I hope you are feeling better soon! Please let me know if I can provide further information.

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Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this.

Detailed Answer:
It's hard to know which cause would be more likely. If you have a known allergy to something such as bees and a bee stung you, then that would be the cause. Otherwise it is hard to know, but think about if:

1. You were exposed to anything that you have had a slight reaction to in the past, such as with itching, when you eat a food or use a product.

2. You tried something new (new food, medicine, supplement, hygiene or laundry product).

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