Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria and Angioedema

Abstract

Guidelines for the treatment of urticaria and angioedema have been prepared by the Japanese Dermatological Association. Subtypes of urticaria and angioedema have been classified into large three groups from the viewpoint of examinations and treatments; I. idiopathic urticaria, II. urticaria inducible by particular stimuli, and III. special types of urticaria and urticaria pigmentosa. The use of oral histamine H₁-receptor antagonists is the first line treatment, regardless of the group, provided that sufficient efforts to eliminate the cause and/or aggravating factors are taken. Several options for treatment are suggested as second and/or third line treatments, but the aim of examinations and treatments should be determined by the type and severity of the disease.