urticaria
URTICARIA
Treatment Guideline Chart
Urticaria is characterized by the appearance of wheals (hives) and/or angioedema.
The intensity of the pruritus varies but may be severe enough to disrupt sleep, work or school.
It is classified acute if the urticaria has been present for ≤6 weeks and chronic if >6 weeks. It can be spontaneous (no definite triggering factor) or inducible (a specific definite triggering factor is identified).
It can be triggered by immunological or non-immunological mechanism.

Urticaria Signs and Symptoms

Introduction

  • Urticaria is a predominantly mast cell-driven disease characterized by the appearance of wheals (hives) and/or angioedema
    • Wheals in urticaria are characterized by variable shape and size surrounded by erythema, pruritus or burning sensation, and transient appearance (skin returns to normal within 30 minutes to 24 hours)
    • Angioedema in urticaria features sudden prolonged swelling of the lower dermis and subcutis or mucous membranes, produces pain or discomfort, and has slower resolution compared to wheals (up to 72 hours)
  • Intensity of pruritus varies but may be severe enough to disrupt sleep, work or school
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