Urticaria (hives)
Etiology
- Five I's: Infection, Insects/infestations, Ingestion, Inhalation, Injection - Frequently results following ingestion of certain foods or allergic reactions to insect stings; heat, cold, water and sunlight exposure
Prevention
Avoid causative agents
Treatment
Avoidance of allergen Antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams and lotions, systemic steroids, epinephrine
Description
Inflammatory reaction of capillaries beneath a localized area of skin
Diagnosis
Medical history, sensitization testing
S&S
Pale, superficial, well-defined, raised wheals on the skin possibly surrounded by erythema; intense itching
Prognosis
Repeated exposure may lead to anaphylactic reaction