Urticaria
• Definitions
· Urticaria (hives) are a distinct, localized area of edema (swelling) and redness of the surface of the skin.
· Angioedema is a form of urticaria that involves the lips, mouth and airways.
• Overview
· Urticaria (hives) are usually self-limited but can be life-threatening if involving the mouth or airways.
· Urticaria (hives) is common and about 20% of people will experience urticaria at some time in their lives
· Urticaria (hives) swelling is caused by the release of histamine or other vaso-active molecules that lead to swelling of the dermis.
• Symptoms
· Urticaria (hives) skin lesions appear:
· red
· swelling
· distinct/ obvious border
· itchy
• Treatment
· Antihistamines
· Corticosteroids
References
Dibbern DA Jr. Urticaria: selected highlights and recent advances. Med Clin North Am. 2006 Jan;90(1):187–209. [PMID: 16310530]
Kaplan AP et al. Angioedema. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Sep;53(3):373–88. [PMID: 16112343]
Posted on January 20, 2009
