The cause of chronic urticaria may be related to exposure to allergens, or it may be due to autoimmune diseases, medications, and other factors. Allergen testing can be performed for chronic urticaria caused by exposure to allergens, while in other cases it is necessary to trace the medical history or improve immune-related tests.
Allergen testing methods include patch test, prick test, intradermal test, and scratch test, etc. Among them, prick test is the most widely used in clinical practice, and it is suitable for the auxiliary diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and asthma and other allergic diseases.
Before allergen testing, it is necessary to suspend the use of drugs that may affect the test results, such as antihistamines (loratadine tablets, cetirizine, etc.), glucocorticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone, etc.), and cold and flu medicines containing anti-allergy ingredients. Prompt identification of allergens and avoidance of future re-exposure are the main measures to treat and prevent chronic urticaria.
For chronic urticaria caused by immune abnormalities or drug factors, timely consultation is needed, and under the guidance of the doctor to improve the immune-related laboratory tests, such as immunoglobulin, antinuclear antibody spectrum.