Urticaria and Drug eruptions

"Urticaria and Drug Eruptions" is structured into three comprehensive units, each offering a focused approach to understanding and managing key dermatological challenges in clinical practice.

Unit 1: Drug Eruptions
This unit delves into the classification, causes, and clinical presentations of drug eruptions. Key topics include:
- The four types of hypersensitivity reactions (Type I-IV) and their mechanisms.
- Common drug-induced conditions like morbilliform rashes, fixed drug eruptions, erythroderma, and angioedema.
- Special focus on high-risk medications, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and NSAIDs, and their associated reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
- Management strategies ranging from supportive care to drug withdrawal and when to consider rechallenging with the offending medication.

Unit 2: Urticaria
This unit provides a deep dive into acute and chronic urticaria, exploring:
- The pathophysiology of urticaria, including IgE-mediated and autoimmune causes.
- Differences between acute (<6 weeks) and chronic (>6 weeks) urticaria, with practical advice on identifying triggers like medications, food, or physical stimuli.
- Treatment protocols, emphasising the use of non-sedating antihistamines, systemic steroids, and advanced therapies like omalizumab for refractory cases.
- Special cases such as physical urticarias, cold-induced urticaria, and cholinergic urticaria, with insights into tailored management.

Unit 3: Case Studies
The final unit uses interactive case discussions to apply learned principles in real-world scenarios. Participants will:
- Work through challenging cases, including severe SJS/TEN, chronic urticaria with angioedema, and drug-induced erythema multiforme.
- Analyse differential diagnoses, treatment decisions, and long-term management strategies.
- Understand the importance of multidisciplinary care for complex conditions requiring hospitalisation, such as TEN and hereditary angioedema.

This course includes interactive assessments, recommended readings, and expert guidance to reinforce learning. Clinicians will leave with enhanced confidence in managing dermatological emergencies, improving patient outcomes in both outpatient and hospital settings.