Physical urticaria: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Physical urticaria | |||
| image = [[File:Physical_Urticaria_.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Physical urticaria on the skin | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Hives]], [[itching]], [[swelling]] | |||
| onset = Minutes to hours after exposure | |||
| duration = Variable, often resolves within hours | |||
| causes = Physical stimuli such as [[pressure]], [[cold]], [[heat]], [[sunlight]], [[vibration]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[allergies]], [[autoimmune disorders]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical evaluation]], [[provocation tests]] | |||
| differential = [[Chronic urticaria]], [[allergic urticaria]], [[angioedema]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antihistamines]], [[avoidance of triggers]], [[immunotherapy]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with management | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A type of urticaria triggered by physical stimuli}} | {{Short description|A type of urticaria triggered by physical stimuli}} | ||
'''Physical urticaria''' is a subset of [[urticaria]], commonly known as hives, which is triggered by specific physical stimuli. These stimuli can include pressure, temperature changes, sunlight, water, vibration, and exercise. The condition is characterized by the rapid development of [[wheals]] or [[angioedema]] in response to these triggers. | '''Physical urticaria''' is a subset of [[urticaria]], commonly known as hives, which is triggered by specific physical stimuli. These stimuli can include pressure, temperature changes, sunlight, water, vibration, and exercise. The condition is characterized by the rapid development of [[wheals]] or [[angioedema]] in response to these triggers. | ||
==Types of Physical Urticaria== | ==Types of Physical Urticaria== | ||
Physical urticaria can be classified into several types based on the triggering stimulus: | Physical urticaria can be classified into several types based on the triggering stimulus: | ||
===Dermatographic Urticaria=== | ===Dermatographic Urticaria=== | ||
Also known as [[dermatographism]], this type occurs when the skin is stroked or scratched. The affected area becomes raised and inflamed, often forming a linear pattern. | Also known as [[dermatographism]], this type occurs when the skin is stroked or scratched. The affected area becomes raised and inflamed, often forming a linear pattern. | ||
===Cold Urticaria=== | ===Cold Urticaria=== | ||
This type is triggered by exposure to cold temperatures, including cold air, water, or objects. Symptoms can range from mild hives to severe reactions, such as [[anaphylaxis]], upon rewarming. | This type is triggered by exposure to cold temperatures, including cold air, water, or objects. Symptoms can range from mild hives to severe reactions, such as [[anaphylaxis]], upon rewarming. | ||
===Cholinergic Urticaria=== | ===Cholinergic Urticaria=== | ||
Triggered by an increase in body temperature, cholinergic urticaria is often associated with exercise, hot showers, or stress. It is characterized by small, itchy wheals surrounded by areas of redness. | Triggered by an increase in body temperature, cholinergic urticaria is often associated with exercise, hot showers, or stress. It is characterized by small, itchy wheals surrounded by areas of redness. | ||
===Solar Urticaria=== | ===Solar Urticaria=== | ||
This rare form is triggered by exposure to [[sunlight]]. The reaction can occur within minutes of sun exposure and typically resolves quickly once the stimulus is removed. | This rare form is triggered by exposure to [[sunlight]]. The reaction can occur within minutes of sun exposure and typically resolves quickly once the stimulus is removed. | ||
===Aquagenic Urticaria=== | ===Aquagenic Urticaria=== | ||
A rare condition where contact with water, regardless of its temperature, causes hives. The mechanism is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a reaction to water-soluble antigens. | A rare condition where contact with water, regardless of its temperature, causes hives. The mechanism is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a reaction to water-soluble antigens. | ||
===Pressure Urticaria=== | ===Pressure Urticaria=== | ||
This type occurs after sustained pressure on the skin, such as from tight clothing or prolonged sitting. The reaction can be delayed, appearing several hours after the pressure is applied. | This type occurs after sustained pressure on the skin, such as from tight clothing or prolonged sitting. The reaction can be delayed, appearing several hours after the pressure is applied. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
The underlying mechanism of physical urticaria involves the release of [[histamine]] and other inflammatory mediators from [[mast cells]] in the skin. This release is triggered by the specific physical stimulus, leading to the characteristic wheals and itching. | The underlying mechanism of physical urticaria involves the release of [[histamine]] and other inflammatory mediators from [[mast cells]] in the skin. This release is triggered by the specific physical stimulus, leading to the characteristic wheals and itching. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of physical urticaria is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and the physical examination. Provocation tests, where the suspected stimulus is applied to the skin under controlled conditions, can help confirm the diagnosis. | Diagnosis of physical urticaria is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and the physical examination. Provocation tests, where the suspected stimulus is applied to the skin under controlled conditions, can help confirm the diagnosis. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Management of physical urticaria involves avoiding known triggers and using medications to control symptoms. [[Antihistamines]] are the mainstay of treatment, helping to reduce itching and wheal formation. In severe cases, other medications such as [[omalizumab]] or [[corticosteroids]] may be used. | Management of physical urticaria involves avoiding known triggers and using medications to control symptoms. [[Antihistamines]] are the mainstay of treatment, helping to reduce itching and wheal formation. In severe cases, other medications such as [[omalizumab]] or [[corticosteroids]] may be used. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for physical urticaria varies depending on the type and severity. Some individuals may experience spontaneous resolution over time, while others may have persistent symptoms that require ongoing management. | The prognosis for physical urticaria varies depending on the type and severity. Some individuals may experience spontaneous resolution over time, while others may have persistent symptoms that require ongoing management. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Urticaria]] | * [[Urticaria]] | ||
* [[Dermatographism]] | * [[Dermatographism]] | ||
* [[Anaphylaxis]] | * [[Anaphylaxis]] | ||
* [[Histamine]] | * [[Histamine]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Allergology]] | [[Category:Allergology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 15:47, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Physical urticaria | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hives, itching, swelling |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Minutes to hours after exposure |
| Duration | Variable, often resolves within hours |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Physical stimuli such as pressure, cold, heat, sunlight, vibration |
| Risks | Family history, allergies, autoimmune disorders |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, provocation tests |
| Differential diagnosis | Chronic urticaria, allergic urticaria, angioedema |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Antihistamines, avoidance of triggers, immunotherapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Generally good with management |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A type of urticaria triggered by physical stimuli
Physical urticaria is a subset of urticaria, commonly known as hives, which is triggered by specific physical stimuli. These stimuli can include pressure, temperature changes, sunlight, water, vibration, and exercise. The condition is characterized by the rapid development of wheals or angioedema in response to these triggers.
Types of Physical Urticaria[edit]
Physical urticaria can be classified into several types based on the triggering stimulus:
Dermatographic Urticaria[edit]
Also known as dermatographism, this type occurs when the skin is stroked or scratched. The affected area becomes raised and inflamed, often forming a linear pattern.
Cold Urticaria[edit]
This type is triggered by exposure to cold temperatures, including cold air, water, or objects. Symptoms can range from mild hives to severe reactions, such as anaphylaxis, upon rewarming.
Cholinergic Urticaria[edit]
Triggered by an increase in body temperature, cholinergic urticaria is often associated with exercise, hot showers, or stress. It is characterized by small, itchy wheals surrounded by areas of redness.
Solar Urticaria[edit]
This rare form is triggered by exposure to sunlight. The reaction can occur within minutes of sun exposure and typically resolves quickly once the stimulus is removed.
Aquagenic Urticaria[edit]
A rare condition where contact with water, regardless of its temperature, causes hives. The mechanism is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a reaction to water-soluble antigens.
Pressure Urticaria[edit]
This type occurs after sustained pressure on the skin, such as from tight clothing or prolonged sitting. The reaction can be delayed, appearing several hours after the pressure is applied.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The underlying mechanism of physical urticaria involves the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells in the skin. This release is triggered by the specific physical stimulus, leading to the characteristic wheals and itching.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of physical urticaria is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and the physical examination. Provocation tests, where the suspected stimulus is applied to the skin under controlled conditions, can help confirm the diagnosis.
Management[edit]
Management of physical urticaria involves avoiding known triggers and using medications to control symptoms. Antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment, helping to reduce itching and wheal formation. In severe cases, other medications such as omalizumab or corticosteroids may be used.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for physical urticaria varies depending on the type and severity. Some individuals may experience spontaneous resolution over time, while others may have persistent symptoms that require ongoing management.
