Clinical Features of Urticaria, Angioedema and Urticarial Vasculitis
| Urticaria | Weals- Itchy, raised, central pallor with surrounding erythema
- Variable size – pin prick to dinner plate
- Single or multiple
- Local or generalized
- Individually may last few minutes to around 24 h
- Rash may move around the body (flitting)
- On resolution skin returns to normal (unless damaged by excoriation)
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| Angioedema | Swelling- Discrete swelling(s) – overlying skin may be normal in appearance or erythematous
- May occur anywhere but favours distensible skin (eyelids, lips and genitalia); may involve mucosal surfaces (including oropharynx and gut)
- Painful (due to tissue distension) rather than itchy
- Resolution may take several days
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| Urticarial vasculitis | Weals- Tender rather than itchy
- Individual weals may persist for days
- Leaves bruising or discolouration on resolution
- May be confined to skin or be part of a systemic process
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