Urticaria Flashcards
What is urticaria?
Urticaria is a rash caused by an allergic reaction
What is the pathophysiology of urticaria?
Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory chemicals from mast cells
What are the causes of acute urticaria?
Allergies to food, medication or animals
Contact with chemicals
Viral infections
Insect bites
Rubbing of the skin
What is chronic idiopathic urticaria?
Recurrent episodes of urticaria without a clear cause
What are the causes of chronic inducible urticaria?
Sunlight
Temperature change
Exercise
Strong emotions
Hot or cold weather
Pressure
What kind of rash does urticaria cause?
A raised, itchy and red rash
What is the first line management of urticaria?
Antihistamines e.g fexofenadine
What is the second line management of urticaria?
Oral steroids - prednisolone
What specialists treatments may be used to treat urticaria?
Monteleukast
Omalizumab
Cyclosporin
