Physical urticaria: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 05:12, 16 February 2025

A type of urticaria triggered by physical stimuli

Overview

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

Physical urticaria can be classified into several types based on the triggering stimulus:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

Related pages

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-'''Physical urticaria''' is a subset of the [[urticaria]] (hives) family that is caused by an external physical stimulus rather than an internal allergen. These stimuli can include heat, cold, pressure, sun, vibration, and exercise. The symptoms of physical urticaria can include redness, swelling, itching, and pain. The condition is usually diagnosed by a physical examination and a detailed medical history.
+{{Short description|A type of urticaria triggered by physical stimuli}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Causes ==
+==Overview==
+[[File:Physical_Urticaria_.jpg|thumb|right|Physical urticaria rash on the skin]]
+'''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 caused by different physical stimuli. These can include:
+==Types of Physical Urticaria==
+Physical urticaria can be classified into several types based on the triggering stimulus:
-* '''[[Heat]]''': This can cause heat urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is exposed to high temperatures.
+===Dermatographic Urticaria===
-* '''[[Cold]]''': This can cause cold urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is exposed to low temperatures.
+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.
-* '''[[Pressure]]''': This can cause pressure urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is subjected to pressure.
-* '''[[Sun]]''': This can cause solar urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is exposed to sunlight.
-* '''[[Vibration]]''': This can cause vibratory urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is subjected to vibration.
-* '''[[Exercise]]''': This can cause exercise-induced urticaria. Symptoms can occur after physical exertion.
-== Symptoms ==
+===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.
-The symptoms of physical urticaria can include:
+===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.
-* '''[[Redness]]''': This is a common symptom of urticaria. It is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the skin.
+===Solar Urticaria===
-* '''[[Swelling]]''': This is another common symptom of urticaria. It is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the skin.
+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.
-* '''[[Itching]]''': This is a common symptom of urticaria. It is caused by the release of histamine in the skin.
-* '''[[Pain]]''': This is a less common symptom of urticaria. It is caused by the inflammation of the skin.
-== Diagnosis ==
+===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.
-Physical urticaria is usually diagnosed by a physical examination and a detailed medical history. The doctor may also perform a series of tests to rule out other conditions.
+===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.
-== Treatment ==
+==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 treatment of physical urticaria can include:
+==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.
-* '''[[Antihistamines]]''': These are drugs that can reduce the symptoms of urticaria.
+==Management==
-* '''[[Corticosteroids]]''': These are drugs that can reduce inflammation in the skin.
+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.
-* '''[[Immunosuppressants]]''': These are drugs that can reduce the immune system's response to the physical stimuli.
-== See also ==
+==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.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Urticaria]]
-* [[Dermatology]]
+* [[Dermatographism]]
-* [[Allergy]]
+* [[Anaphylaxis]]
+* [[Histamine]]
-[[Category:Medical conditions]]
+[[Category:Skin conditions]]
-[[Category:Dermatology]]
+[[Category:Allergology]]
-[[Category:Allergies]]
-{{stub}}