Urticaria.
BACKGROUND
Urticaria is a very common problem that affects most of the population at some time. Acute urticaria is often allergy based and self limiting. In chronic urticaria, it is uncommon to find an allergic cause and in most cases, it is more useful to consider it as an autoimmune disease.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the assessment of urticaria and outlines a treatment plan for chronic urticaria.


CONCLUSIONS
In most patients, urticaria is acute and self limiting and settles with the aid of antihistamines. Chronic urticaria is more challenging for both the doctor and patient. A careful history is important in Identifying allergic causes and aggravating factors. In severe cases, immunosuppressive therapy may be required.
Clarke
Philip
P
Launceston General Hospital. clclarke@bigpond.net.au
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000799:Angioedema / Q000175:diagnosis; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D014581:Urticaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*