What are the red marks?

Hi, I hope this is the right forum to post this.
I have had red marks appear on my hands on and off since I was around 15/16, I am now 25.
I have kept a journal more recently on when they appear and have wondered if they might be related somehow to my periods. Sometimes they can appear 3-4 days before a period, then disappearing again after a couple of days. But then they can also appear at random times.
There is currently one on my left hand that has been there for nearly a week.
They occur on my left hand much more than the right, they aren't raised or painful or itchy but when pressure is applied it is slightly uncomfortable.
I have been thinking of seeing someone about them but can't help think it's nothing serious, still a bit worried though. I want to see if anyone has experience with them too and what they might be as I haven't been able to find anyone so far. Hope someone can shed some light :)

There are some photos uploaded in my profile if you would take a look.
Thank you

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Mostly they are idiopathic but can be due to an allergic reaction also.

You can take non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine or Loratadine(Claritin) when the rash appears. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms. You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. Also apply calamine lotion and a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash.

If the symptoms persist then get an evaluation done from a dermatologist.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.