Urticaria Treatment

Antihistamine tablets may help to reduce the itching and subdue the rash. There are many different types of these and some of the longer-established ones can cause drowsiness. Although this side effect may be troublesome by day it also aids sleep when irritation keeps the patient awake.

A short course of oral corticosteroids may be needed in more severe cases particularly those which do not respond to antihistamines although these must be used with caution due to the significant side effects of long term use.

Antihistamines are useful also in chronic urticaria although they need to be given for prolonged periods while the rash persists. Oral corticosteroids may also be needed but more recently anti-immune therapy is becoming available.

• Often no treatment is necessary as the rash commonly goes within 24-48 hours.
• A cool bath or shower may ease the itch.

• Antihistamine tablets can ease symptoms. Antihistamines block the action of histamine which is involved in causing urticaria. You can get antihistamines on prescription. You can also buy them from pharmacies. There are several brands. The pharmacist will advise.

• A short course of steroid tablets is sometimes prescribed in severe cases to help reduce swelling in the skin.

If you have a severe episode of urticaria then you may be referred to specialist (immunologist or dermatologist). In particular, if angiooedema or anaphylaxis occured at the same time. This is to confirm the diagnosis, and where possible, to identify a cause. For example, if a nut allergy is suspected to have caused a severe episode then this can confirmed by tests. You may then be given advice on how to avoid the cause, and on what to do if it should occur again.

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