title: Evaluation, diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Urticaria produces weals, which are itchy and can affect the quality of life and social functioning of an affected patient. There are several different subtypes of urticaria. This article focuses on chronic urticaria.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article details the approach to assessment and management of chronic urticaria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chronic urticaria is characterised by the occurrence of weals, which occur on a daily basis for more than 6 weeks. Clinical history and physical examination alone are sufficient to establish a diagnosis. Non-sedating histamine H1 receptor antagonists are the first-line treatment and are effective in 60% of patients. These may be supplemented with histamine H2 receptor antagonists. The use of second and third-line treatments is also discussed.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, BMedSc, is a Masters candidate, Department of Dermatology, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
authors.forename: Eshini
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Perera
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sinclair
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D019468:Disease Management; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000379:methods; D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods; D014581:Urticaria / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D039563:Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists