Urticaria

Question 1

What is urticaria?

Answer 1

A superficial swelling of the skin which can be acute (<6 weeks) or chronic (>6 weeks)

Question 2

What causes urticaria?

Answer 2

• Release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells
• Certain food such as milk, eggs, nuts/insect bites and stings and certain drugs

Question 3

How does urticaria present?

Answer 3

• Itchy rash anywhere on the body
• Small raised areas known as weals can develop on the skin
• Weals usually last less than 24 hours but others can appear

Question 4

How is urticaria managed?

Answer 4

• Remove the trigger
• Non-sedating antihistamine
• Short course of oral steroids can be given if symptoms severe
• If antihistamine unsuccessful, increasing dose/switching drug is second line
• Anti-pruritic such as calamine lotion can be used
• If chronic, daily antihistamine therapy can be given for 3-6 months