Urticaria

Question 1

what is urticaria (AKA hives)

Answer 1

itchy, red, blotchy rash from the swelling of the superficial layer of skin

Question 2

when does angiooedema occur

Answer 2

when the deep tissues, subcutaneous and lower dermal tissues are involved and become swollen

Question 3

what causes urticaria

Answer 3

activation of mast cells in the skin that cause release of histamines

cytokine release leads to leaky capillaries which causes oedema and vasodilation giving the erythematous appearance

Question 4

possible triggers for acute urticaria

Answer 4

Allergies (foods, bites, stings)

Viral infections

Skin contact with chemicals

Physical stimuli

Question 5

possible triggers for chronic urticaria

Answer 5

medication, stress and infections

autoimmune

Question 6

presenting signs and symptoms of urticaria

Answer 6

Central itchy white papule or plaque surrounded by erythematous flare

Lesions vary in size and shape

May be associated with swelling of the soft-tissues of the eyelids, lips and tongue (angiooedema)

Question 7

timescale of acute flare up

Answer 7

resolves within 48 hours

Question 8

timescale of chronic

Answer 8

rash persists for more than 6 weeks

Question 9

investigations

Answer 9

FBC (eosonophilia/ neutrophilia)

ESR/ CRP (can be elevated)

Question 10

management of urticaria

Answer 10

antihistamine, topical/ systemic corticosteroid

if airway involvement; adrenaline