What is urticaria? Urticaria, also called \”wheels\”, is a skin disease caused by the body\’s allergy to certain substances. Common symptoms are redness, swelling, itching, and raised rashes on the skin. Urticaria is divided into two types: acute and chronic. Acute urticaria lasts for a short time and the patient can heal on its own after the allergen disappears. Chronic urticaria often lasts for several days.