Urticaria PP Essay

Submitted By cvtheman
Words: 362
Pages: 2

Urticaria

Urticaria
• Urticaria is a group of distinct skin conditions characterized by itchy, wheal-and-flare skin reactions
• Commonly known as “hives”
• Urticaria is a common skin pathology that is often seen in athletes
• The majority of cases are acute and last up to a few weeks • The causes of urticaria are wide ranging and include allergies to food such as shellfish, nuts and eggs.
Drugs such as penicillin, aspirin, and sulfonamides; and allergens such as pollens, mold, and animal

Urticaria (Cont.)
 Chronic urticaria is very rare; it arises from chronic infection, intolerance to food additives, or autoreactiviy.  A typical hive is an intensely itchy erythematous (red) or white edematous area.

Signs and Symptoms
 General urticaria may develop at any age and is extremely common
 It is fairly easy to diagnose
 Most cases are self limiting and last from a few hours to a few weeks
 The lesions are usually very itchy, or pruritic, but the intensity may vary
 The size may range from small, 2 mm lesions or very large areas

Referral and Diagnostic Test
 Referral to a physician is appropriate if symptoms persist for an extended period
 Immediate referral to a medical facility is necessary if an athlete shows signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock, which may include facial edema, swollen tongue, difficulty breathing, difficulty talking, hoarseness, or having near-syncopal or syncopal episodes.
 Diagnostic testing to determine the exact cause of urticaria can be highly expensive and