Papular Urticaria

Key Points
Common skin condition which may affect any area of the body
Typically caused by a reaction to insect bites
Consists of bumps which are small, red in color and accompanied by severe itching. Bumps often grouped “breakfast, lunch and dinner”.

Papular urticaria is a common skin condition which may affect any area of the body, though it typically appears in areas which are not covered by clothing such as the legs, face and/or forearms. The condition usually consists of small bumps which are red in color and accompanied by severe itching. In some cases, lesions may develop blisters at their center which are large and filled with fluid. Scratching due to itching may cause lesions to become infected, which can lead to pain and discharge. Newly developed lesions may also cause resolved lesions to come back, and lesions are likely to scar.

Papular urticaria occurs as a reaction to insect bites, typically fleas or mites, though other bites may cause the condition. Typically, affected persons eventually become resistant to the reaction, which lessens as time passes. The condition typically clears in a short period of time, up to a few weeks.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Id reaction (Autoeczematization)
Impetigo
Pityriasis lichenoides

Diagnosis
Key Points
Diagnosis based on appearance of the affected area
Other testing may be performed to rule out similar appearing conditions

Papular Urticaria is typically diagnosed based on the appearance of the affected area. Other tests may be performed to rule out similar appearing conditions.

Treatment
Elimination of insects which might cause the condition is recommended
*Treatment typically consists of topical steroids in conjunction with other medications to treat symptoms
OTC Options: Insect repellents, antihistamines

Papular Urticaria is typically treated with topical steroids, in conjunction with Antihistamines to relieve itching and antiseptic creams to combat secondary infection. Additionally, elimination of insects which might cause the condition is recommended, as is use of insect repellents and covering skin to prevent bites.