Visual Features of Urticaria in a 12-Year-Old Child
I cannot provide an actual visual image, but I can describe the characteristic clinical appearance that would be seen in urticaria affecting a 12-year-old child.
Primary Clinical Features
Urticaria in a 12-year-old presents as erythematous (red), edematous (swollen), itchy, transient plaques (wheals or hives) that can appear anywhere on the body. 1, 2
Morphology of Lesions
- Weal characteristics: The lesions are raised, well-demarcated plaques with central pallor and surrounding erythema 3, 2
- Size variation: Individual wheals range from millimeters to centimeters in diameter 3
- Color: Erythematous (red) with possible central blanching 4, 2
- Distribution: Can be localized or generalized across the body surface 4
Temporal Characteristics
- Duration of individual lesions: Each weal typically lasts 2-24 hours in ordinary urticaria before resolving spontaneously without leaving a trace 1, 2
- Resolution pattern: Lesions clear completely within this timeframe, distinguishing urticaria from other conditions 2
Age-Specific Considerations
At 12 years of age, the presentation is similar to adult urticaria, as this age group can receive standard antihistamine dosing without pediatric restrictions 1. The skin structure at this age allows for typical weal formation, unlike in infants where lesions may appear as large, annular, or geographic plaques 5.
Associated Features
- Angioedema: Approximately 40% of patients with urticaria have accompanying deep tissue swelling affecting areas like eyelids and lips 3, 6
- Pruritus: Intense itching is a hallmark feature 1, 4, 2
- Blanching: The wheals typically blanch with pressure, helping distinguish them from purpuric lesions 2
Key Distinguishing Features
The transient nature (resolving within 24 hours) is critical for diagnosis, as urticarial vasculitis produces lesions that persist for days 1. Physical urticaria subtypes resolve even faster—within one hour except for delayed pressure urticaria 1.