CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Urticaria - Management
Which drugs are not recommended for the treatment of urticaria?
- Topical corticosteroids and topical antihistamines should not be used in urticaria.
Basis for recommendation
- In one small study of highly-selected people with chronic urticaria, the application of a potent topical corticosteroid (clobetasol propionate) followed by plastic occlusion resulted in only a short-term improvement of symptoms [Ellingsen and Thestrup-Pedersen, 1996].
- Topical steroids do reduce weal formation, but can lead to adverse effects due to the need for long-term use over a large surface area [Kozel and Sabroe, 2005].
- Topical antihistamines have a risk of sensitization and can result in contact dermatitis [Kozel and Sabroe, 2005; BNF 52, 2006].
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement