Urtricaria

It
is a vascular skin reaction characterized by eruption of
wheals on the skin which are pruritic. These are
smooth,slightly elevated red patches with well defined
margins and pale centers.

   

Acute
urticaria

 

Evolves
rapidly, and usually has a detectable cause.

e.g.
– hypersensitivity to certain foods, drugs, insect
bites, emotional stress.

The lesions subside within 12-24 hours, but new crops of
lesions may erupt continuously, thus prolonging the
attack.

 

Chronic urticaria

 

It
lasts longer than 6 weeks and the lesions may recur for
months or years and usually the causative factor is not
known. But aspirin frequently exacerbates this problem.

 

Causes

 

I. 
DRUGS

 

Aspirin,
penicillin, NSAIDS, ACE inhibitors , radiographic dyes

 

      
Nuts,
chocolate, shell fish, 
Food additives in soft drinks,  
Jellies,
custard, sauces, yeast,  
bread, sausages, wines,                         


      
beer, cheese

 

III
Rubbing or putting pressure
on the skin.


 

IV Exposure to sunlight.

  

 
airborne
chemicals]

 

IX.
INFECTION

 

Tonsils,
sinuses, upper respiratory tract.

MANAGEMENT

 

1.       
Detailed history regarding food and drugs,
exposure to environmental factors etc.

2.       
Avoid
the
causative factor

3.       
Treatment of acute attack

 

       

Injection
[when there is laryngeal edema]