Physical urticaria

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.

Causes

Physical urticaria is caused by different physical stimuli. These can include:

• Heat: This can cause heat urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is exposed to high temperatures.
• Cold: This can cause cold urticaria. Symptoms can occur after the skin is exposed to low temperatures.
• 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

The symptoms of physical urticaria can include:

• Redness: This is a common symptom of urticaria. It is caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the skin.
• Swelling: This is another common symptom of urticaria. It is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the skin.
• 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

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.

Treatment

The treatment of physical urticaria can include:

• Antihistamines: These are drugs that can reduce the symptoms of urticaria.
• Corticosteroids: These are drugs that can reduce inflammation in the skin.
• Immunosuppressants: These are drugs that can reduce the immune system's response to the physical stimuli.

See also

• Urticaria
• Dermatology
• Allergy

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