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
