Highlights & Basics
- Urticaria is a skin condition characterized by erythematous, blanching, edematous, nonpainful, pruritic lesions that typically resolve within 24 hours and leave no residual markings.
- Acute urticaria lasts less than 6 weeks and is often due to a hypersensitivity reaction to a specific trigger. Underlying viral infections are also a common cause of acute urticaria, particularly in children. Acute urticaria is generally self-limited.
- Chronic urticaria is characterized by daily or near-daily episodes of hives occurring for 6 weeks or more and has a complex etiology.
- Angioedema is swelling involving the deeper layers of the subdermis and occurs in association with urticaria in about 40% of cases. It can also occur in the absence of urticaria.
- Angioedema involving the face or neck can potentially compromise the airway and requires prompt airway management.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
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Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
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Citations
Zuberbier T, Abdul Latiff AH, Abuzakouk M, et al. The international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria. Allergy. 2022 Mar;77(3):734-66.[Abstract][Full Text]
Fine LM, Bernstein JA. Guideline of chronic urticaria beyond. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2016 Sep;8(5):396-403.[Abstract][Full Text]
Powell RJ, Leech SC, Till S, et al. BSACI guideline for the management of chronic urticaria and angioedema. Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45:547-565.[Abstract][Full Text]
Maurer M, Magerl M, Betschel S, et al. The international WAO/EAACI guideline for the management of hereditary angioedema-The 2021 revision and update. Allergy. 2022 Jul;77(7):1961-90.[Abstract][Full Text]
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83. Manning ME, Kashkin JM. Berotralstat (BCX7353) is a novel oral prophylactic treatment for hereditary angioedema: Review of phase II and III studies. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2021 Jul 14;42(4):274-82.[Abstract][Full Text]
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