
Classifications of Urticaria
Urticaria is classified with considerations on how long symptoms have persisted plus the causes and triggers of urticaria.
In a nutshell acute urticaria are those cases where symptoms last up to a period of 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria are those cases that last longer than 6 weeks. There are some more specifics to breakdown the subtypes of urticaria [1].
Current Classifications
Acute spontaneous urticaria
Spontaneous occurrence of wheals and/or angioedema for a total duration of fewer than 6 weeks.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)
Spontaneous occurrence of wheals and/or angioedema for a total duration of 6 weeks or more.
This is synonymous with ‘chronic urticaria’ or ‘chronic idiopathic urticaria
Chronic Inducible Urticaria (CIndU)
Occurrence of wheals for a total duration of six weeks or more, which is inducible by physical factors (touch, pressure extremes). This is synonymous with ‘physical urticaria’.
Typical Presentation
Those dealing with urticaria typically present with hives alone, Angioedema alone or both. About half of cases present with hives (wheals) alone. About 10% develop angioedema as the primary symptom, and 40% present with both.
Hives
Hives present as batches of welts (wheals), which are circumscribed superficial edema (swelling) of the skin. They are usually surrounded by bright red areas with a centralized whiteness. They are usually accompanied by itchiness or a burning sensation.
Each wheal will typically come on within minutes but and last fewer than 24 hours, without any residual bruising or skin discolouration. They tend to occur in pressure prone areas like waistline, armpits, groin, but really, can affect any part of the body.


Angiodema
Angioedema is a painful, burning, non-itchy, less well demarcated swelling of the deep dermis or mucus membranes. This occurs in 10% of patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria [1]. This usually affects the lips, around the eyes, genitals, and extremities.
Angioedema usually develops slowly and takes longer to resolve, usually within a few days.

Review
Classification of Urticaria is based on how long symptoms have lasted, and also their triggers.
Working with a Naturopath can help identify some of your potential root causes and treatment plans can be customized to your specific case.
Works Cited
About the Author

I'm Johann de Chickera, a Naturopathic Doctor, practicing in Ontario, Canada. My clinical practice relies on keeping up with the most up-to-date research and continued education. This blog serves as a way to provide others with a compilation of everything I've learned along the way.
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