Urticaria

Question 1

What is urticaria due to?

Answer 1

The release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory chemicals by mast cells in the skin.

Question 2

How does urticaria present?

Answer 2

• pale, pink raised skin.
• Variously described as ‘hives’, ‘wheals’, ‘nettle rash’
• pruritic

Question 3

How is urticaria commonly described?

Answer 3

‘hives’, ‘wheals’, ‘nettle rash’

Question 4

What is acute urticaria triggered by?

Answer 4

Something that stimulates the mast cells to release histamine.

Question 5

What might stimulate the mast cells to release histamine?

Answer 5

• Allergies to food, medications or animals
• Contact with chemicals, latex or stinging nettles
• Medications
• Viral infections
• Insect bites
• Dermatographism (rubbing of the skin)

Question 6

What type of condition is chronic urticaria?

Answer 6

Autoimmune disease

Question 7

What is chronic urticaria due to?

Answer 7

Autoantibodies target mast cells and trigger them to release histamines and other chemicals.

Question 8

How can chronic urticaria be sub-classified?

Answer 8

• Chronic idiopathic urticaria
• Chronic inducible urticaria
• Autoimmune urticaria

Question 9

What is chronic idiopathic urticaria?

Answer 9

Recurrent episodes of chronic urticaria without a clear underlying cause or trigger.

Question 10

What is chronic induced urticaria?

Answer 10

Episodes of chronic urticaria that can be induced by certain triggers,

Question 11

What are possible triggers of chronic induced urticaria?

Answer 11

• Sunlight
• Temperature change
• Exercise
• Strong emotions
• Hot or cold weather
• Pressure (dermatographism)

Question 12

What is autoimmune urticaria?

Answer 12

Chronic urticaria associated with an underlying autoimmune condition, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Question 13

What is the main management of urticaria?

Answer 13

Antihistamines

Question 14

What is usually the antihistamine of choice for urticaria?

Answer 14

Fexofenadine

Question 15

What might be given for a short course for severe flares?

Answer 15

Oral steroids- prednisolone