(GP)

Overview

• Urticaria (AKA hives) consists of erythematous, blanching, oedematous, non-painful, pruritic lesions that develop rapidly, usually over minutes
• Typically lasts less than 24 hours and leaves no residual skin markings upon resolution
• Acute Urticaria → mainly allergy related (IgE-mediated)
• Chronic Urticaria → may be triggered by heat, cold, pressure, sunlight, vibration, acetylcholine release, and water
• Drug Causes of Urticaria ⇒ aspirin, penicillins, NSAIDs, opiates

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features:

• Erythematous Oedamatous Lesions → pale, pink, smooth raised skin (wheals)
• Pruritus
• Resolution within 24 hours
• Swelling of face, tongue, or lips → up to 40% of urticaria cases have associated angio-oedema
• Lesions blanch when palpated

Investigations: