Urticaria

Last updated: Thursday, 17, February, 2011
CausesAppropriate Tests

Acute

Skin prick allergen testing or allergen specific immunoglobulin E to relevant antigen(s). Immunoglobulin E is not of clinical value.

May be associated with Anaphylaxis and Angioedema
See also Contact dermatitis

Stings and bites

See Insect sting sensivity

Contactants

  • Latex
  • Cosmetics

 

See Latex allergy

Blood components

See Blood transfusion - complications.

Infections, especially

  • Viral, in children

Spot/Allergy specific IgE may be of clinical use.

Food intolerance/allergy

Idiopathic

Drug reactions, especially

  • Aspirin
  • NSAIDs
  • Penicillin, Amoxycilin
  • Sulphonamides 

Chronic

FBC; CRP or ESR, thyroid function tests, thyroid antibodies.
Skin biopsy, if indicated.
Skin prick testing and testing for allergen specific immunoglobulin E are not of clinical value.

Underlying conditions

  • Malignancy 
  • Hepatitis B prodrome

See Hepatitis B virus infection. 

Physical urticarias

  • Cold, heat, vibration  

 

See Cold related disorders - Cold Urticaria

Psychological stress

Mastocytosis (urticaria pigmentosa)

Recurrent skin prick testing