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Dermatology

cosmetic. surgical. medical.

Discover in-depth details regarding common dermatological conditions that can be effectively treated with the help of our innovative range of treatment options. From acne, rosacea, eczema, to inflammatory skin conditions, psoriasis, seborrhoea, warts and other disorders, the following list covers a range of topics that provide you a deeper understanding of the condition you may have. If you are at all concerned with one or more of the dermatological conditions listed below, schedule a consultation with us and together we can formulate a bespoke and tailored treatment plan for you.

Area of Concern

URTICARIA

Urticaria is characterised by weals (hives) or angioedema (swelling around the eyes, lips, tongue).

A weal is a superficial skin-coloured skin swelling, that is usually surrounded by redness and can last from a few minutes to < 24 hours. It is usually very itchy, but may have a burning sensation. Angioedema is deeper swelling within the skin or mucous membranes and can be skin-coloured or red. It typically takes longer to resolve (within 72 hours). Angioedema may be itchy or painful.

It is important to understand the duration of symptoms as urticaria is usually classified as:

1. Acute urticaria: Attacks lasting < 6 weeks
2. Chronic urticaria: Attacks lasting > 6 weeks

The causes for acute urticaria and chronic urticaria are typically different, with causes for acute urticaria including acute viral infection or bacterial infection, drug or food allergy, and drug pseudoallergy like NSAID intolerance. Chronic urticaria on the other hand is mainly idiopathic (cause unknown), with other causes being chronic autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or systemic lupus erythematosus, or from chronic underlying infection such as H. pylori infection. Blood tests are therefore typically performed when the duration of symptoms exceed 6 weeks.

Urticaria may also be inducible by various physical triggers which includes:

  • Cold urticaria
  • Cholinergic urticaria
  • Contact urticaria
  • Solar urticaria
  • Heat urticaria
  • Aquagenic urticaria

Treatment often involves the avoidance of triggers once identified but the main treatment of all forms of urticaria in both adults and children is still that of an oral antihistamine. If non-sedating antihistamines are not effective, and the urticaria severe and extensive, a short course of oral prednisolone may be warranted. Other medications include montelukast and now omalizumab (Xolair) which is a new-class biologic for the control of urticaria. All these medications are available at Angeline Yong Dermatology.

WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF CONCERN?