Clinical Characteristics of Urticaria among Nigerians at a Dermatology Clinic.

Abstract

Background: Urticaria is a vascular reaction of the upper dermis marked by transient appearance of wheals and severe itching. Angioedema involves the deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Urticaria affects up to 20% of the population. It is categorized as acute if symptoms occur and resolve within 6 weeks. Diagnosis is usually clinical with a thorough history taken to reveal possible triggers. Investigations are carried out to identify any systemic disease.
Objective: This study was carried out to document the predisposing factors and clinical presentations of patients with urticaria in our environment.
Methods: Data was obtained from clinic records of all patients seen from January 2007 to December 2009 and urticaria protocol filled routinely at the dermatology clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Results: Ninety six patients (1.79%) out of the 5360 patients seen during the 2 year period were diagnosed as having urticaria. There were 37 (45.1%) males and 45 (54.9%) females with a ratio of 1:1.2. Majority of patients 59 (71.95%) had chronic urticaria. Various trigger factors were demonstrated in 62 patients (74.4%) while none were noted in 21 patients (25.6%). The most common triggers were drugs and food. Sulfa containing drugs and NSAIDs were commonly implicated drugs. Physical factors were not commonly implicated.
Conclusion: Although triggers of urticaria may be myriad, attempts at identifying triggers and causes of urticaria (with subsequent avoidance) through the patient's history are still the most important management approach. Further studies are needed to clarify the known triggers and other risk factors peculiar to our environment.

Keywords: Urticaria, Angioedema, Nigeria