Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a non-contagious skin disease. It can be acute and chronic. When the conditions last more than six weeks, the hives are chronic.

Triggering factors

  • Food allergy, e.g. seafood, milk, eggs and nuts
  • Drug allergy, e.g. antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Environmental causes, e.g. dust and pollen
  • Extreme weather conditions, e.g. too cold or too warm
  • Emotional stress

Symptoms

  • Acute urticaria: Itchy swollen red patches all over the body; high fever; in severe cases the patient may experience a drop in blood pressure and even shock
  • Chronic urticaria: Batches of red patches on the face and limbs; severe itching on the affected areas

Treatment

First line – Non sedative second generation antihistamines

Second line – Up to fourfold increase in antihistamines

Third line – Omalizumab – Anti IgE Ab

Fourth line – Corticosteroids