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Treatment of Chronic Urticaria

Stepwise treatment approach for chronic urticaria lasting longer than six weeks and affecting quality of life.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Treatment of Chronic Urticaria?

Chronic urticaria is a skin disease lasting longer than 6 weeks, characterized by itchy urticarial plaques and/or angioedema occurring daily or almost daily. It affects about 1% of the population.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is the most common form, often without an identifiable cause; autoimmune mechanisms and mast cell activation play a role. Chronic inducible urticaria has a specific trigger (cold, pressure, exercise, water, sun).

A stepwise approach is recommended in treatment. The disease can severely affect quality of life by causing depression, sleep disturbance, and work-school loss; early and effective treatment is important.

Symptoms

Daily or near-daily recurrent itchy wheals
Lesions that disappear in the same area within 24 hours
Angioedema of the lips, eyelids, and dorsum of the hands
Intense itching (sleep disturbance with nighttime worsening)
Stinging, burning sensation
Triggering by cold, pressure, exercise (inducible forms)
Marked impairment of quality of life and anxiety

Risk Factors

Female sex (twice as common)
Autoimmune thyroiditis and other autoimmune diseases
Stress and anxiety
Helicobacter pylori infection
Chronic viral and parasitic infections
Some medications (NSAIDs, opioids) as triggers
Atopic background

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Wheals lasting longer than six weeks
  • If accompanied by lip, tongue, or throat swelling (emergency)
  • If antihistamines fail to provide a response
  • If sleep, work, and social life are affected
  • If systemic findings (fever, joint pain) accompany

Treatment Methods

01
First line: modern, non-sedating H1-antihistamines (at standard dose)
02
If unresponsive, the dose can be increased up to fourfold (with physician advice)
03
Second line: omalizumab (anti-IgE biological)
04
Third line: cyclosporine A or other immunomodulators
05
Avoidance of triggers (NSAIDs, tight clothing, extreme heat-cold)
06
Follow-up with quality-of-life questionnaires and patient education

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.