Urticaria and angioedema are allergic reactions of the skin. The role of the Dermatologist is crucial to correctly diagnose these conditions and to treat them. 

Urticaria is characterised by a rash that comes and goes within 24 hrs. Withing a few hours one may notice lesions disappearing and new ones forming in a different place. It is caused by the release of histamine causing skin oedema and a pompous rash often called ' hives'. In the case of angioedema, the swelling takes place deeper in the skin and for this reason instead of small lumps, we have swelling of larger areas such as eyelids and lips.