Urticaria

Abstract

Urticaria is a frequent skin condition presenting with wheals, angioedema or both due to the activation of mast cells. Acute urticaria (less-than 6 weeks duration) is associated with infections and allergies, whereas chronic urticaria (≥ 6 weeks) is either spontaneous (chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)), inducible or both. Quality of life (QoL) is frequently impaired. The pathogenesis of CSU is often of an autoimmune nature. As argued in this review, the treatment aims to restore QoL with a stepwise approach, most often using second-generation H1-antihistamines, omalizumab and cyclosporine.