Itch

What is urticaria?

Urticaria causes itchy, raised welts (wheals) on the skin, often with a pale centre and surrounding redness, that typically come and go over hours — individual wheals usually resolve within 24 hours, though new ones can continue to appear elsewhere. It can affect any part of the body and is frequently accompanied by swelling of the deeper layers of skin, known as angioedema, which most often affects the lips, eyelids, or hands.

‍

What treatments are available for urticaria?

Treatment aims to control symptoms and is generally stepped up if the initial approach isn't enough:

• Non-sedating antihistamines — the first-line treatment for both acute and chronic urticaria, often needing to be taken at a higher-than-standard dose for chronic cases under medical guidance
• Avoiding known triggers — where a specific trigger has been identified, such as a particular medication or a physical trigger like cold or pressure
• Short courses of oral corticosteroids — sometimes used for severe acute flares, but not intended for long-term use
• Omalizumab — a biologic injection that targets the immune pathway involved in chronic spontaneous urticaria, used for cases that haven't responded adequately to antihistamines

Most people with chronic urticaria need an individualised, and sometimes long-term, treatment plan, since the condition can persist for months to years before settling.