Spontaneous Urticaria Information

What is Spontaneous Urticaria?

Spontaneous Urticaria is the appearance of itchy hives or wheals on the skin.

About Dr José Costa

Dr José Costa (MD, FRCPCH, PGCert Allergy, PGCert Paed Allergy) is a Consultant Paediatrician and fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
He has over 14 years' experience in Paediatrics and over 7 years in Paediatric Allergy.

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Spontaneous Urticaria Symptoms

Often known as nettle rash, hives, weals or welts, they can appear in any part of the body, at any age.

Commonly they show up on the:

• Face
• Extremities
• Chest
• Back

They are itchy and start tiny (often a few millimeters) but can grow bigger and coalesce (mix together).
Usually, they disappear spontaneously between 1 and 24 hours, without needing medication.

Spontaneous Urticaria Diagnosis

As with Spontaneous Angioedema, often we do not find a cause.

Still, it would be helpful to do some investigations:

• Blood tests, focusing on the immune system
• Urine tests
• Stool tests

They can be divided into two different kinds:

• Acute urticaria - if they last or appear in a period of less than 6 weeks
• Chronic urticaria - if they keep going for over 6 weeks

The important thing to know, is that if it is Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria, it is not related to Allergy or Allergic reactions.

Spontaneous Urticaria Treatment

Most forms of Urticaria tend to self-resolve in one to two years. With some cases lasting up to five years.
Currently, unless we find a cause that can be treated, the medication aims to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Most commonly, we use antihistamines, with frequency and dose tailored to each child and their symptoms.
In some cases other medication, like Omalizumab, might be needed.