Doctors
Division of Paediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology Service
Head & Senior Consultant:
Prof Hugo Van Bever
Consultant:
A/Prof Lynette Shek Pei Chi
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Signs & Symptoms
If areas such as eyes or lips are affected, marked swelling of
these areas may develop.
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What causes it
Urticaria
is caused by the release of substances in the body
(commonest being histamine) in response to an allergic or non-allergic
reaction.
Acute urticaria can last from a few hours to a week and is usually
caused by drugs, specific foods, viral infections or physical stimuli such as
cold, sunlight, sweat. Sometimes no cause is identified.
In chronic urticaria, there is a rash almost daily which can last
for months. In majority of the cases, no cause is found. 50% of cases resolve
spontaneously within 6 months.
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About the condition
Urticaria is a skin
condition characterized by localized swelling of the skin manifesting as hives.
There are acute and chronic types of urticaria. Acute urticaria
can last from a few hours to a week. In chronic urticaria, there is a rash
almost daily which can last for months.
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Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The main treatment is avoidance of trigger if known and use of
antihistamines for symptomatic relief.
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