Dermatology Express CME: Understanding Urticaria
Introduction
Urticaria is characterized by, raised, palpable wheals, which can be linear, annular (circular), or arcuate (serpiginous). These lesions occur on any skin area and are usually transient and migratory. These lesions are often separated by normal skin, but may coalesce rapidly to form large areas of erythematous, raised lesions that blanch with pressure.
Urticaria may be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 6 weeks). Episodic urticaria describes intermittent attacks of urticaria, which may last a few days or a few weeks.