Management of Urticaria: a Practical Approach

Urticaria can be diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation. While acute urticaria has an identifiable trigger in about 50% of cases; chronic urticaria (urticaria which lasts for longer than 6 weeks) frustratingly tends to remain idiopathic, with 30-40% of patients appearing to have an autoimmune aetiology.
Some patients have a physical cause for their urticaria. A good history and examination are crucial when trying to identify possible urticaria triggers and undirected laboratory investigations are typically fruitless. While non-sedating H1 receptor antagonist antihistamines represent the first-line therapy for urticaria; other treatment options in severe cases include ciclosporin, omalizumab and short courses of oral corticosteroids.
Learning Objectives
To aid healthcare professionals in making a confident clinical diagnosis of urticaria
To increase knowledge and awareness on the different types of urticaria and on its commonest causes and triggers.
To increase appreciation on the importance of taking a good history in patients presenting with urticaria rather than performing blind laboratory tests and on which laboratory tests may be useful
To present an update of treatment options for the management of urticaria
Partner Organisation
Maltese Association of Dermatology and Venereology
Short Description
An overview of urticaria including the different types of urticaria, causes and treatment options.