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Symptoms and courseUrticaria is a condition whose essence is swelling of the subcutaneous tissue manifested by characteristic raised blisters on the skin. A distinction is made between acute and chronic urticaria based on the duration of the symptoms . Urticaria may be allergic - the most common (e.g. in the case of sensitisation to cat allergens) or non-allergic (in the case of reactions to certain drugs).
In addition, a distinction can be made between physical urticaria, which are triggered by physical factors such as cold, pressure or sunlight. Urticaria can also occur in patients with infections (e.g. viral), tumours, autoimmune diseases and other conditions. There are also cases where no pathogenic factor can be identified; such urticaria is called idiopathic.
Symptoms and course urticaria
Symptoms and course:
The primary symptom is urticarial blisters, itchy, burning, pink or white in colour surrounded by erythema, raised above the surface of the skin, appearing after contact with triggering agents.
Acute urticaria usually appears suddenly, within minutes or hours. It is characterised by the rapid resolution of the lesions. In chronic urticaria, on the other hand, the lesions may occur daily or intermittently (for example, once a week), may go into spontaneous remission within a year, but may also occur intermittently over many years.
Treatment:
Each case requires consultation with a doctor
The mainstay of treatment is antihistamine, anti-allergic medication. General recommendations are to avoid triggers and, in the case of secondary urticaria, to treat the underlying disease.
It is important to note whether the urticaria is accompanied by symptoms typical of anaphylactic shock (dyspnoea, dizziness, nausea, palpitations) - such a condition requires urgent hospitalisation.
