Triggering Factors in Patients Diagnosed Urticaria

INTRODUCTION: Urticaria is a skin disease that is common in all societies and characterized by itchy and edematous plaques that appear suddenly and disappear spontaneously within the same day. Urticaria that lasts for less than 6 weeks is called acute, while urticaria that lasts longer and can last for years is chronic. While antihistamines are preferred in the first place in treatment, other treatment options may be considered according to the treatment response. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, it is essential to identify and eliminate triggering factors. Common triggers include physical triggers, foods, medicines, fatigue, stress, infections, smoking, dust, pollen and the premenstrual period.
METHODS: In our study, the files of 145 patients who applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic between 1 January 2019 and 1 September 2020 were retrospectively scanned.
RESULTS: 91 (62.7%) of the patients were female, 54 (37.2%) were male. Average age was 38.9. While triggering factors are seen in 62 (42.7%) of the patients; dermographism was seen in 37 (25.5%) of the patients. Trigger factors were common in women and between the ages of 20 and 40. Physical triggers were the most common triggers, followed by foods and drugs.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Urticaria is a dermatological emergency affecting the patient's quality of life. Therefore, success in treatment is very important. Finding and removing triggering factors besides pharmacological treatment will significantly improve the patient's quality of life.