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ABCMD definition of Urticaria: Urticaria is a skin disorder characterized by profound itching and red circular or irregularly shaped eruptions on any part of the body. 

What is Urticaria?

Urticaria refers to a skin disorder that affects people of all ages in which red patches and weals occur in the skin. Cells in your skin called Mast cells release chemicals, such as Histamine, that cause the small blood vessels in your body to leak. Due to this leakage of fluid, swelling of tissues occurs. The weals may have a diameter of few millimeters or several centimeters. These weals are usually white or red, surrounded by a red flare. Each weal may have a life span of few minutes to several hours. They maybe of different shapes such as round, ring-like, map-like or big patches.

What are the causes of Urticaria?  

The causes of urticaria can be either exogenous (an external cause/something causes you to react) or endogenous (an internal cause/something your body does to itself).

The exogenous factors responsible for Urticaria include such things as bites from insects like wasps, caterpillars and bugs. Plants, such as nettles, may play role in causing urticaria. Other factors may include exposures to extremes of heat or cold.

The endogenous factors responsible for urticaria may include intake of diet rich in fish, eggs, prawns, strawberries or mushrooms. Food preservatives and artificial colors may also cause Urticaria. Intake of medications such as bromides, iodides may cause Urticaria. Parasites such as hookworm, tapeworm and roundworm may also cause urticaria.

Psychogenic factors such as emotional stress and over-exertion can contribute to cause this disease as well.   

What are types of Urticaria?

Generalized Ordinary Urticaria: Generalized ordinary urticaria, also known as hives, presents with spontaneous weals anywhere on the body. It is often classified according to how long it has been present.

Acute Urticaria: This form usually shows up a few minutes after contact with an allergen (substance or material your body is allergic to) and can last a few hours to several weeks. Food allergic reactions are an example of this type.

Chronic Urticaria: Chronic urticaria is a condition that causes hives to develop on the skin. The skin reaction is characterized by pale and raised swelling, which is often surrounded by redness with borders.

What are the symptoms of Urticaria?

Symptoms of urticaria include intense itching and burning. A sense of profound heat can also be one of the symptoms of urticaria. Red or white patches, surrounded by red flare, are also a symptom of urticaria.

How Urticaria is diagnosed?

In most cases of urticaria there is no need to conduct any tests. However, the tests which help in diagnosis of urticaria include full blood count, skin prick test, complement test and skin biopsy. 

How is Urticaria treated?

The choice of treatment for Urticaria will depend upon the type and severity of Urticaria and for how long it has been present. Most of the treatment plans revolve around being aware of one’s triggers and avoiding these, but this may be difficult.  There are many types of Urticaria and people are usually affected by more than one type.

Oral antihistamines are usually the first line medications used to treat Urticaria. They help in controlling itching and wheals.

This information has been reviewed by Matthew C Niesen MD, a resident at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in order to help ensure the accuracy and completeness of information written.  However, this information may not be entirely complete and should be discussed with your physician prior to making any medical decisions or changes in your medical care.