clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
- the rapid appearance of erythematous, often itchy, swellings are characteristic
- urticaria can be localised or generalised (1)
- may take the form of blotches, blisters, or wheals varying in size and shape
- are transient and usually disappear within a few hours.
- sites of constriction by clothing are common sites
- systemic reactions cannot be seen in most of the patients but on rare occasions
allergic and some physical urticarias may develop into anaphylaxis. Note though
that urticaria is a frequent finding in anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions
(2)
- an acute urticaria rash may cover most of the skin surface
- in chronic urticaria, only a few wheals appear each day
- angioedema presents in the lips, genitalia and hands; it is life-threatening if the tongue and larynx are affected
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