[Urticaria in general practice]

The vast majority of cases of urticaria and angio-edema are diagnosed and treated by general practitioners. Epidemiologic investigations have shown that 2.5 percent of the population annually seek medical advice for urticaria, and of these 95 percent consult a general practitioner. The available literature, however, is mainly based on materials from specialist clinics, and outpatients hospital departments. The clinical picture of urticaria as seen by the general practitioner differs, however, is essential features from that observed in selected patient groups. Recent studies from the primary health care services have confirmed this observation.