Dermatology

Question 1

What is Urticaria?

Answer 1

• Definition: Urticaria, or hives, is an erythematous, blanching, itchy skin swelling that appears quickly (within minutes) and typically resolves in under 24 hours without skin marks.
• Common Causes: Most often allergy-related; can also have non-allergic triggers.
• Angioedema: Present in ~40% of cases, involving deeper swelling, often affecting the face, lips, and airways, lasting up to 72 hours and may be painful rather than itchy.
• Types:
  • Acute: <6 weeks, often stimulus-triggered and self-limiting.
  • Chronic: ≥6 weeks, typically without a specific trigger.

Question 2

H&E for Urticaria

Answer 2

• Pale, pink raised skin
  
  • Described as ‘hives’, ‘wheals’, ‘nettle rash’
• Pruritis
• Resolution with 24 hours

Other diagnostics:
- Blanching lesions

Question 3

RF for Urticaria

Answer 3

Recent exposure to drug/food trigger, viral infection or insect bite/sting

Drugs that commonly cause urticaria:
- aspirin
- penicillins
- NSAIDs
- opiates

Question 4

Investigations for Urticaria

Answer 4

Bloods:
- FBC, ESR, CRP

Question 5

Management of Urticaria

Answer 5

• Non-sedating antihistamines
• Prednisolone for sever or resistant episodes