What are the treatments for chronic urticaria?
Antihistamine tablets The release of histamine under the skin is involved in causing the rash of urticaria. Antihistamines block the action of the histamine. Most affected people have at least partial relief, and sometimes total relief of their symptoms with antihistamines. There are various antihistamines. • Some older ones tend to cause drowsiness, but may be useful to take at bedtime. • Modern antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness. If needed, you can take them regularly. • Some people take an older ‘sedating’ antihistamine at bedtime, and a modern ‘non-sedating’ one during the daytime. • Some people respond to one antihistamine better than another. If one antihistamine has not helped much, a different one may suit better. It is usually worth trying an antihistamine for 1-2 weeks before deciding if it is helping or not. • Some people take antihistamines ‘as required’ when symptoms flare up. However, if the rash usually develops on three or more days each week, it is best
Antihistamine tablets The release of histamine under the skin is involved in causing urticaria. Antihistamines block the action of the histamine. Most affected people have at least partial relief, and sometimes total relief, of their symptoms with antihistamines. There are various antihistamines: • Some older ones tend to cause drowsiness, but may be useful to take at bedtime. • Modern antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness. If needed, you can take them regularly. • Some people take an older sedating antihistamine at bedtime, and a modern non-sedating one during the daytime. • Some people respond to one antihistamine better than another. If one antihistamine has not helped much, a different one may suit better. It is usually worth trying an antihistamine for 1-2 weeks before deciding if it is helping or not. • Some people take antihistamines ‘as required’ when symptoms flare up. However, if the rash usually develops on three or more days each week, it is best to take the an
