Urticaria

Question 1

Urticaria - symptoms (5)

Answer 1

Itching
Red and raised skin
Come and go, generally temporary
Burning
Stinging

Question 2

Urticaria - extra questions (7)

Answer 2

Is there any weeping
Is the skin dry
Have you had this before
How painful is it
Do you have a fever
SOB
Duration

Question 3

Urticaria - explanation of diagnosis

Answer 3

Also known as hives and tends to be a rash and swelling of the skin caused by an immune response to a trigger

Question 4

Urticaria - cause (6)

Answer 4

External triggers/irritants
Weather/sweating
Allergic reaction
Stress
Drugs
Viral infection

Question 5

Urticaria - first-line treatment (product, how it works, how to use it)

Answer 5

Piriteze (cetirizine) - non-sedating antihistamine, relieves itching and helps to reduce hives, 1 tablet per day

Question 6

Urticaria - lifestyle (8)

Answer 6

Do not itch the hives
Use cold damp flannel to soothe skin
Avoid triggers
Avoid scented products - use gentle soaps
Wear SPF50+
Dry and moisturise skin after showers
Avoid NSAIDs as they exacerbate hives
Manage stress

Question 7

Urticaria - when to refer (5)

Answer 7

Unresponsive to treatment
Fever
Extensive swelling under the skin
Chronic (6+ weeks)
Difficulty breathing

Question 8

Urticaria - other OTC treatment (not cetirizine) (3)

Answer 8

Calamine lotion PRN
Chlorphenamine to help with sleep (6+)
Paracetamol for pain