Introduction
Urticaria (hives) is caused by an excessive release of histamine by mast cells, leading to superficial swelling of the dermis.
Symptoms
- Swollen red weals
- Intense itching
- Sudden onset
- Disappears within a few hours
- Swelling of the lips or eyelids
- Acute or chronic course
Causes
- Allergies
- Infections
- Medicines
- Stress
- Autoimmune causes
- Idiopathic causes (no identifiable cause)
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination
- Assessment of duration
- Search for triggers
- Targeted allergy work-up
Treatments
- Antihistamines
- Dose adjustment
- Biological therapies for severe chronic forms
- Specialist allergy tests
- Management protocols for chronic urticaria
Management
Identification of triggers
Symptomatic treatment
Specialist follow-up
Patient education