When skin symptoms appear together with breathing difficulties, the situation can quickly become a medical emergency that should never be ignored.
One of the most common warning signs is hives, also known as urticaria. These raised, red welts can suddenly spread across the skin, often causing intense itching or swelling. On their own, hives are usually not dangerous. However, when they occur alongside symptoms affecting breathing or circulation, they may be part of anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction that can become life-threatening within minutes.