Urticaria

Urticaria (hives) is a common disorder that may be associated with angioedema (swelling that occurs beneath the skin). It is generally classified as acute or chronic, and chronic urticaria is further classified as spontaneous or inducible Second-generation, non-sedating histamine type 1 (H1)-receptor antihistamines represent the mainstay of therapy for both acute and chronic urticaria. Second-line treatment for uncontrolled chronic urticaria includes omalizumab (a monoclonal anti-immunoglobulin E [IgE] antibody). In this article, we review the causes, diagnosis and management of urticaria (with or without angioedema).