Urticaria Flashcards
What is another name for urticaria?
Hives
What type of reaction is urticaria?
Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction
What is urticaria caused by?
The release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory chemicals by mast cells in the skin
What are the different types of urticaria?
Acute and chronic
What are the different types of chronic urticaria?
Chronic idiopathic urticaria
Chronic inducible urticaria
Autoimmune urticaria
What are the possible causes of acute urticaria?
Allergies to food, medications or animals
Contact with chemicals, latex or stinging nettles
Medications
Viral infections
Insect bites
What is chronic idiopathic urticaria?
Recurrent episodes of chronic urticaria without a clear underlying cause or trigger
What is chronic inducible urticaria?
Episodes of chronic urticaria that can be induced by certain triggers, such as: Sunlight Temperature change Exercise Strong emotions Hot or cold weather Pressure (dermatographism)
What is autoimmune urticaria?
Chronic urticaria associated with an underlying autoimmune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
How does urticaria present?
- Superficial skin reaction
- Hives, wheals, nettle rash
- Pale pink raised skin
- NO SYSTEMIC EFFECT- person feels fine
How is urticaria diagnosed?
Clinical or Pin prick skin test
What is used in the management of urticaria?
Anti-histamines
Which anti-histamine is usually used in the management of urticaria?
Fexofenadine
What medication would you give for severe urticaria?
Oral steroids: Prednisolone
What first line non-sedating antihistamine can be given for urticaria?
Oral cetirizine
