Urticaria

Question 1

What is urticaria?

Answer 1

erythematous, blanching, oedematous, non-painful, pruritic lesions resulting from swelling of the superficial part of the skin. (epidermis + dermis)

Question 2

What is Urticaria also known as?

Answer 2

Hives

Question 3

Describe the aetiology of Urticaria

Answer 3

Activation of mast cells in the skin, results in release of histamines
Cytokine release leads to capillary leakage, which causes swelling of the skin + vasodilation

Question 4

List 4 triggers of acute Urticaria

Answer 4

Allergies (foods, bites, stings)
Viral infections
Skin contact with chemicals
Physical stimuli

Question 5

List 3 triggers for chronic Urticaria

Answer 5

Medication
Stress
Infections

Question 6

Describe the epidemiology of Urticaria

Answer 6

20% lifetime prevalence

Acute is much more common than chronic urticaria

Question 7

Describe the rash in Urticaria

Answer 7

Blanching
Oedetamous
Non painful 
Pruritic
Lesions vary in size + shape
Individual lesions are usually transient

Question 8

If there is associated angiodema, what complications may arise? How is this managed?

Answer 8

Compromise of the airways when there is swelling of the face/ neck
Adrenaline + airway protection

Question 9

Give timescales of acute and chronic Urticaria

Answer 9

Acute: normally resolve within 24hrs
Chronic: rash persists for > 6 weeks

Question 10

How is Urticaria usually diagnosed?

Answer 10

Clinically

Question 11

What tests may be used for chronic Urticaria?

Answer 11

FBC
ESR/CRP
Skin prick testing

Question 12

What is a similar, but more severe condition to urticaria ?

Answer 12

Angioedema
Submucosal + subcutaneous tissues become swollen.
Occurs in 40% of urticaria

Question 13

What is used in treatment of urticaria?

Answer 13

Antihistamines
Trigger identification + avoidance
Prednisolone in recurrent/ severe cases