Urticaria is an inflammatory skin disorder primarily resulting from activation of cutaneous mast cells. Current guidelines recommend non-sedating second generation H 1 antihistamines such as fexofenadine hydrochloride as first-line therapy. A recent review by Ansotegui et al. A wheal is a sharply circumscribed, superficial swelling accompanied by itching or burning.
It may occur abruptly and returns to normal within 30 minutes to 24 hours. Angioedema develops more slowly than wheal and presents with localized edema in the lower dermis and subcutis or mucous membranes. Angioedema is characterized by tingling, burning, and tightness rather than itching. Recovery takes longer than for wheals, up to 72 hours [1, 2]. Acute urticaria is often self-limiting, with episodes resolving within six weeks, whereas chronic urticaria persists longer [2].
Urticaria has a high socioeconomic burden worldwide. Urticaria is classified according to its duration as acute or chronic and according to the triggers as spontaneous or inducible see Tab. Classification of urticaria by duration [2]. Back to the Overview page Country: Global. Language: English. Margarita Murrieta-Aguttes and Mohamed Amessou. Classification of urticaria by duration [2] Please scroll to the right to see all content. Classification of urticaria by causes [2] Please scroll to the right to see all content.
The pathogenesis of urticaria is not fully understood. It is a disease primarily driven by mast cells. Effectors react with the membrane of mast cells, activating them and thus leading to the release of inflammatory mediators and stimulation of signaling pathways that cause the formation of wheals and angioedema see Fig. Urticaria is often self-diagnosed and self-managed. Current guidelines recommend a diagnostic work-up that focuses on the clinical examination of signs and symptoms associated with urticaria.
Since urticaria-like lesions can be the manifestation of various dermatological syndromes, a careful anamnestic examination assessing frequency, circumstances of onset, duration, local or systemic symptoms is essential for the correct diagnosis [2].
