Diagnosing Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria with Unanswered Questions Lingering

People can experience bouts of urticaria over the course of their lives, but usually they only last for a matter of days. When the symptoms last six weeks or more, it can be classified as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU).

Laura Korb Ferris, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at UPMC in Pittsburgh, discussed the diagnosis process during a recent interview with MD Magazine. Ferris said that while most lesions last only 24 hours, it is a potential sign of a much more serious condition. This can also include urticarial vasculitis, which can require a skin biopsy to diagnose and other treatment options to pursue. Some patients with CIU can have 50 to 100 lesions, but there is usually no known cause, with a focus more on finding the right treatment. This can include antihistamines as well as newer treatment options being developed.