Given the following diagnosis, which is the most accurate treatment plan? Urticaria Avoid causative agents Medication Surgery Therapy

The most accurate treatment plan for **urticaria** (commonly known as hives) typically involves a combination of **avoiding causative agents** and **medication**. Here's a detailed approach: 1. **Avoid Causative Agents:** - **Identify Triggers:** Determine and avoid known triggers such as certain foods, medications, insect stings, or environmental factors. - **Lifestyle Modifications:** Implement changes like wearing loose clothing, avoiding extreme temperatures, and reducing stress, which can exacerbate symptoms. 2. **Medication:** - **Antihistamines:** First-line treatment involves non-sedating H1-antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) to alleviate itching and reduce hives. - **H2 Antihistamines:** Sometimes added to enhance the antihistamine effect. - **Corticosteroids:** Short-term use of oral corticosteroids may be necessary for severe or acute cases. - **Other Medications:** In chronic cases, medications like leukotriene receptor antagonists or biologics (e.g., omalizumab) may be considered. 3. **Additional Therapies (if needed):** - **Phototherapy:** In certain chronic cases, ultraviolet light therapy might be beneficial. - **Immunotherapy:** For cases linked to specific allergens, immunotherapy may be an option. **Note:** - **Surgery** is **not** a standard treatment for urticaria and is generally not indicated unless there's an exceptionally rare underlying condition that warrants it. - **Therapy** in the context of behavioral or psychological support may be helpful if stress is a significant trigger, but it’s not a primary treatment modality. **Summary:** The cornerstone of managing urticaria involves **avoiding known triggers** and utilizing **medications** to control symptoms. This combined approach effectively manages both acute and chronic forms of urticaria.