What condition is characterized by raised, irregular patches on the skin and is commonly associated with severe itching?

Hives, also known as urticaria, are indeed characterized by raised, irregular patches on the skin, which can vary in size and shape. These welts can arise suddenly and are often the result of an allergic reaction, although they can also occur without a clear cause. Accompanying the visible appearance of hives is typically severe itching, which can lead to discomfort and the tendency to scratch the affected area. This combination of symptoms is key in identifying hives, making them distinct from other conditions.

While measles is an infectious disease with different symptoms including a distinct rash and fever, cancer encompasses a broad category of diseases that typically do not present with raised patches or intense itching in the same way. Fungal infections, on the other hand, can cause skin issues but usually manifest in a different manner, such as redness, scaling, or lesions, rather than the raised welts characteristic of hives.