Table 2 Questions to assess by history in patients with urticaria

1

Time of the first onset of urticaria

2

Frequency of symptoms and duration of the single wheal

3

Circadian variations

4

Appearance on weekends, holidays or trips abroad

5

Size, shape and distribution of wheals

6

Associated angioedema

7

Concomitant subjective symptoms (itching, burning, pain, etc.)

8

Familiar history of urticaria and atopy

9

Previous or concomitant diseases (allergic, infective, gastroenterological, psychiatric)

10

Surgical implants or events during surgery

11

Potential triggers (physical exercise, physical agents, foods, occasional drugs, etc.)

12

Concomitant medication intake (NSAIDs, vaccines, hormones, laxatives, ear or eye drops, suppositories, natural remedies, etc.)

13

Apparent correlation with given food(s)

14

Correlation with the menstrual cycle

15

Cigarette smoking

16

Kind of work and hobbies

17

Stressful episodes

18

Quality of life related to current symptoms

19

Previous treatments for urticaria and its efficacy