Urticaria and angio-oedema

These can be minimised with an adequate antihistamine regimen. Uncontrolled excoriations can lead to skin scarring.

Sedation/somnolence can be a common adverse effect of therapy with antihistamines, particularly first-generation antihistamines. This can be managed by trying to minimise use of first-generation antihistamines unless absolutely necessary. Attempting to limit daytime dosing can also minimise somnolence, but this is often difficult to do given the relatively short half-life of several first-generation antihistamines.

Superficial skin infections can result from extensive pruritus and subsequent excoriations. Again, this can be minimised with adequate control of lesions with an appropriate antihistamine regimen.