Urticaria


Definitions

Angioedema (see Angioedema)

  • Well-Demarcated, Localized Edema Involving the Subcutaneous/Submucosal Layers of the Skin, Pharynx/Larynx, and/or Gastrointestinal Tract
    • Angioedema May Occur in Isolation or in Conjunction with Urticaria or Anaphylaxis

Urticaria

  • Inflammation Confined to the Superficial Dermis
    • Wheals with Raised Serpiginous Borders and Blanched Centers

Epidemiology

Prevalence

  • Urticaria Occurs in up to 20% of the Population (at Some Point in Their Lifetimes)

Etiology

Mast Cell-Mediated Urticaria

IgE-Mediated Mast Cell Activation (Type I Hypersensitivity) (see Immune Hypersensitivity)

Immunologic Non-IgE-Mediated Mast Cell Activation

Non-Immunologic Direct Mast Cell/Basophil Activation

Altered Arachidonic Acid Metabolism

Infection

General Comments

Viral

Bacterial

Parasitic

Physical Stimuli

Autoimmune Disease

Other


Physiology


Diagnosis


Clinical Manifestations

General Comments

Dermatologic Manifestations


Treatment

Antihistamines (H1-Histamine Receptor Antagonists) (see H1-Histamine Receptor Antagonists)

H2-Histamine Receptor Antagonists (see H2-Histamine Receptor Antagonists)

Corticosteroids (see Corticosteroids)


References