urticaria-1775-rahulkalal-250606145215-0ff37bc9.pdf
- 1. URTICARIA PRESENTING BY: Rahul Kalal Roll No: 1775
- 2. ⚬Understanding Urticaria: Causes and Care ⚬Urticaria, commonly referred to as hives, is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and raised welts on the skin. These lesions can appear anywhere and vary in size and shape. The condition can be acute or chronic and often causes significant discomfort due to intense itching. ⚬Understanding urticaria involves exploring its causes, the mechanisms behind its development, various types, symptoms, potential complications, and diagnostic investigations to guide effective treatment strategies.
- 3. Etiology of Urticaria: Common Triggers Allergic Reactions Food items like nuts, shellfish, and eggs; insect stings; and certain medications can initiate an allergic immune response leading to urticaria. Physical Stimuli Exposure to cold, heat, pressure, sunlight, or water can trigger physical urticaria by stimulating skin mast cells. Infections and Illnesses Viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, and sometimes stress also act as contributing factors.
- 4. Pathogenesis: How Urticaria Develops 1.Mast Cell Activation Trigger exposure causes skin mast cells to release histamine and other chemical mediators. 2.Vascular Changes Histamine induces blood vessel dilation and increased permeability, leading to localized swelling and redness. 3.Symptoms Manifest The result is itchy, swollen welts forming on the skin surface. 4.Resolution or Persistence Depending on cause, hives resolve rapidly or can persist, evolving into chronic urticaria.
- 5. Types of Urticaria: Understanding the Variants ⚬ACUTE URTICARIA Lasts less than six weeks, often triggered by an allergen or infection. CHRONIC URTICARIA Persistent for more than six weeks with fluctuating symptoms, often idiopathic or autoimmune- related. ⚬PHYSICAL URTICARIA Triggered by direct physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, heat, or sunlight exposure.
- 6. ⚬Signs and Symptoms: Recognizing Urticaria ⚬Raised, Red Welts Hives present as swollen, raised patches or wheals that are typically red or skin-colored. ⚬Itching and Burning Affected areas are intensely itchy and may also cause a burning or stinging sensation. ⚬Rapid Appearance and Resolution Lesions can appear suddenly and usually disappear within 24 hours, though new ones may develop. ⚬Angioedema Swelling deeper beneath the skin, often around eyes, lips, and sometimes the throat.
- 7. Complications of Urticaria: Awareness and Risks Angioedema Potentially dangerous swelling in deeper tissues can impair breathing if involving the throat. Chronic Discomfort Persistent itching and skin irritation can impact quality of life and sleep. Anaphylaxis Risk In allergic urticaria, anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction requiring immediate intervention.
- 8. Investigation and Diagnosis of Urticaria 1 Clinical History Detailed patient history including trigger exposure, duration, and symptom pattern. 2 Physical Examination Inspection of skin lesions, checking for angioedema, and eliciting physical urticaria responses. 3 Laboratory Tests Blood tests may include complete blood count, allergy tests, and autoimmune markers. 4 Challenge Testing Controlled exposure to suspected triggers may be performed for physical urticaria diagnosis.
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