Urticaria management Flashcards
What should be done to avoid urticaria triggers?
Identify triggers and, if possible, give clear instructions on avoidance strategies.
What is the purpose of symptom diaries in urticaria management?
Symptom diaries help determine the frequency, duration, and severity of urticarial episodes.
What is the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) used for?
The Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) is used to assess the severity of urticaria.
How is the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) calculated?
The parent/person records the severity of itching and the number of weals daily for 7 days.
What does a UAS7 score of less than 7 indicate?
A UAS7 score of less than 7 in 1 week indicates control of the disease.
What does a UAS7 score greater than 28 indicate?
A UAS7 score greater than 28 per week indicates severe disease.
What advice should be given to people with mild urticaria with an identifiable and avoidable cause?
Advise that urticaria is likely to be self-limiting.
What is the first-line treatment for people with symptoms requiring treatment for urticaria?
Cetirizine (or other non-sedating antihistamine such as fexofenadine or loratadine) is the first-line treatment.
How long can non-sedating antihistamines be given for urticaria?
Non-sedating antihistamines are usually given for up to 6 weeks and can be given for up to 3-6 months if it is likely that symptoms will recur.
What additional treatment can be given for severe urticaria symptoms?
Add a short course of an oral corticosteroid (e.g., prednisolone) for severe symptoms.
When should a referral to a dermatologist or immunologist be considered for urticaria?
Referral to a dermatologist or immunologist should be considered if urticaria is painful and persistent, not well controlled with antihistamines, or if there is acute severe urticaria due to food or latex allergy.
Where can additional information on urticaria be found?
Additional information on urticaria can be found in the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) information leaflet on Urticaria and Angioedema, NHS A-Z - Urticaria (hives), and the Allergy UK website.
summarise urticaria management
