Urticaria

Question 2

What is urticaria?

Answer 2

Urticaria describes a local or generalised superficial swelling of the skin. The most common cause of urticaria is allergy although non-allergic causes are seen.

Question 3

What are the features of urticaria?

Answer 3

Features include pale, pink raised skin, variably described as ‘hives’, ‘wheals’, or ‘nettle rash’, and it is pruritic.

Question 4

What is the first-line management for urticaria?

Answer 4

Non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. loratadine or cetirizine) are first-line.

Question 5

How long should non-sedating antihistamines be continued after an acute urticaria episode?

Answer 5

Non-sedating antihistamines should be continued for up to 6 weeks following an episode of acute urticaria.

Question 6

What can be used for troublesome sleep symptoms in urticaria?

Answer 6

A sedating antihistamine (e.g. chlorphenamine) may be considered for night-time use in addition to day-time non-sedating antihistamine.

Question 7

What is used for severe or resistant episodes of urticaria?

Answer 7

Prednisolone is used for severe or resistant episodes.