Urticaria Overview and Types

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Questions and Answers

What primarily causes urticaria?

Inflammation of the dermis

Release of serotonin from platelets

Release of histamine from mast cells (correct)

Vasoconstriction in blood vessels

What role do mast cells play in the development of urticaria?

They produce collagen fibers in the dermis.

They release vasoactive substances. (correct)

They decrease plasma extravasation.

They inhibit the release of histamine.

What is the result of the substances released during urticaria?

Increased blood flow to the epidermis

Extravasation of plasma into the dermis (correct)

Inflammation of the muscle tissue

Constriction of blood vessels in the dermis

Which cells release histamine in the dermis during urticaria?

Mast cells and basophils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of histamine on blood vessels during urticaria?

Vasodilation and increased permeability Signup and view all the answers

What condition may affect the face and tissues of the oropharynx?

Angioedema Signup and view all the answers

What are potential consequences of angioedema in the oropharynx?

Life-threatening difficulties in swallowing and breathing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes angioedema?

A swelling condition affecting deep layers of the skin and tissues Signup and view all the answers

In severe cases, what aspect of oropharyngeal health can angioedema impair?

The ability to breathe and swallow Signup and view all the answers

Which area of the body is primarily affected by angioedema as mentioned?

Oropharynx Signup and view all the answers

What type of urticaria occurs as a result of sun exposure?

Solar urticaria Signup and view all the answers

How quickly do urticarial spots appear after sun exposure in solar urticaria?

Minutes Signup and view all the answers

What can influence the development of solar urticaria?

Various wavelengths of light Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of solar urticaria?

Spots are permanent Signup and view all the answers

What does solar urticaria primarily affect?

Exposed skin areas Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the development of small urticarial spots in cholinergic urticaria?

Exercise and hot baths Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is most commonly affected by papular urticaria?

Infants and children under 10 years old Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding cholinergic urticaria?

It can be very disabling for some patients. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the spots formed in cholinergic urticaria?

Small and irritating urticarial spots Signup and view all the answers

In which condition are small urticarial spots most likely to develop after exposure to heat?

Cholinergic urticaria Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for urticarial lesions that last for days and may leave a brownish stain?

Urticarial vasculitis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of urticaria involves small blood vessels?

Urticarial vasculitis Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of urticarial lesions associated with urticarial vasculitis?

They can leave a brownish stain. Signup and view all the answers

How long can urticarial lesions persist in urticarial vasculitis?

Several days Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom differentiates urticarial vasculitis from typical urticaria?

Brownish stains after healing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is caused by the release of histamine and other vasoactive substances from mast cells and basophils in the dermis.
These substances cause plasma to leak into the dermis, resulting in the characteristic urticarial lesions.
Occasionally, urticarial lesions can persist for days rather than hours, leaving a brownish stain. This is known as urticarial vasculitis and is due to the involvement of small blood vessels.
Angioedema can affect the face and tissues of the oropharynx, potentially leading to life-threatening difficulties with swallowing and breathing.

Types of Urticaria

Dermographism: Urticaria develops in response to pressure or scratching on the skin.
Solar urticaria: Urticarial spots appear on exposed skin within minutes of sunlight exposure. Various wavelengths of light may be responsible.
Cholinergic urticaria: Small, itchy urticarial spots develop after exercise or hot baths. This common condition can be severely disabling in some individuals.
Papular urticaria: Occurs primarily in infants and children under 10 years old.

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Description

Explore the fascinating topic of urticaria, commonly known as hives, characterized by histamine release from mast cells. Understand various types including dermographism, solar urticaria, and cholinergic urticaria, along with their causes and symptoms. This quiz provides a comprehensive overview of urticaria and its clinical implications.