Urticaria

Question 1

Define urticaria.

Answer 1

Urticaria, also known as welts, hives, or wheals, is characterised by the appearance of intensely pruritic erythematous plaques. It appears clinically as pruritic, pale, blanching swellings of the superficial dermis that last for up to 24 hours.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of urticaria.

Answer 2

Allergy
Infection
Systemic disease
Minor physical trauma

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of urticaria.

Answer 3

Urticaria (chronic, acute, or both) affects 15-25% of the population at some time in their lives. The incidence of acute urticaria is higher in people with atopy, and the condition occurs most commonly in children and young adults.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of urticaria. Recognise the symptoms of urticaria on physical examination.

Answer 4

Raised bumps
Erythema
Pruritus

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for urticaria and interpret the results.

Answer 5

This is usually identifiable by examination.

Investigations may be carried out in order to determine the cause of urticaria.