Urticaria

L50.0-6/L50.8-9

• Description
• General measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

Urticaria is a skin disorder characterised by itchy wheals (hives). There are many causes, including allergic, toxic or physical. Allergic urticaria may be caused by drugs, plant pollen, insect bites or foodstuffs, e.g. fish, eggs, fruit, milk and meat.

Note: Commonly caused by medicines e.g. aspirin, NSAIDs and codeine.

GENERAL MEASURES

• Take detailed history to determine trigger factors.
• Lifestyle adjustment.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

Children

• Chlorphenamine, oral, 0.1 mg/kg/dose 6–8 hourly. See Paediatric dosing tool.

Adults

• Chlorphenamine, oral, 4 mg, 6–8 hourly

CAUTION
Do not give an antihistamine to children < 2 years of age.

• Calamine lotion, applied on the skin.
  • The use of oral corticosteroids should be avoided.

LoEIII

REFERRAL

No improvement or response after 24 hours.