Transient oedematous wheals, few millimeters to few centimeters, surrounded by red flare, often intensely itchy, subsiding over several hours and involving the dermis. Termed angiooedema when subcutaneous tissue is involved.
Prognosis
70% resolve within a year. 30% of cases tend to be chronic and of these 50% have it for years.
General Measures
Avoidance of physical triggers often helps a great deal inphysical urticaria and the patient needs to be detailed on the cause. Cold moist compresses to allay itching. Avoid allergens where known or suspected that would include penicillin, aspirin, NSAIDS, feathers, selllfish, strawberries, sera, vaccines,heat, sunlight, external contactants like cosmetics, etc. over eating, over exertion and alcohol excess might be nonspecific causes, that should be avoided.
Advice to Patient
Avoid allergens known or suspected. Avoid driving orhandlilng machinery, if on sedating antihistamines.
Follow Up
Evaluate if symptoms persist.
Inadequate Response
Consider steroids in those not responding to antihistamines alone.
Prevention
If cause found avoidance is best course. Food colouring tartrazine and food preservative sodium benzoate found to be often the cause. Where unavoidable exposed, immediate antihistamine exhibition.
