Urticaria Quiz

Understanding Urticaria (Hives)

This content provides a foundational overview of urticaria, suitable for healthcare students, patients seeking to understand their condition, and professionals reviewing key concepts.

What is Urticaria?

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, itchy welts or wheals. These lesions are typically red or skin-colored, can vary in size, and often appear and fade within a few hours, with new ones appearing elsewhere. Urticaria is caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells in the skin, leading to fluid leakage from small blood vessels into the surrounding tissue.

Types of Urticaria

Urticaria is primarily classified based on its duration:

• Acute Urticaria: This is the most common form, where episodes last for less than six weeks. It is often triggered by an identifiable cause such as an infection, food allergy, or medication.
• Chronic Urticaria: This form is defined by recurrent episodes of hives occurring on most days of the week for a period of six weeks or longer. In many cases, a specific external trigger cannot be identified, a condition known as Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU).
• Physical Urticaria: This is a subtype of chronic urticaria where hives are induced by a specific physical stimulus, such as pressure, cold, heat, or sunlight.

Common Triggers and Causes

While the cause of chronic spontaneous urticaria is often unknown, acute urticaria and physical urticarias have more identifiable triggers.

• Infections: Viral infections (like the common cold) and bacterial infections are common causes of acute hives, especially in children.
• Medications: Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequent culprits.
• Foods: Common food allergens include nuts, eggs, shellfish, and milk.
• Physical Stimuli: Includes pressure (dermatographism), cold, heat, water (aquagenic), sunlight (solar), and vibration.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

The diagnosis of urticaria is typically made based on a clinical examination of the skin and a detailed patient history. For acute urticaria with a clear trigger, further testing is often unnecessary. For chronic urticaria, the goal is to rule out underlying conditions. A healthcare provider may recommend basic blood tests, but extensive allergy testing is usually not required unless there is a strong suspicion of a specific trigger.

Treatment Approaches

The primary goal of treatment is to relieve the itching and discomfort. The cornerstone of therapy is the use of second-generation, non-sedating antihistamines. These are often started at standard doses but may be increased up to four times the standard dose for better control in chronic cases. If antihistamines are not effective, other treatments like omalizumab (a biologic medication), cyclosporine, or a short course of oral corticosteroids may be considered.

This information is for educational enrichment and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns.