A 43-year-old woman presents with painful and burning wheals on the upper legs and back, lasting for 2 weeks. Individual lesions resolve with bruising in 3 to 4 days. She also reports joint pain, particularly in the small joints of her hands. Her medical history is unremarkable, and she takes no medications. Physical examination shows normal vital signs and polycyclic edematous plaques on the back and upper legs. The remainder of the examination, including the joint examination, is normal.

What is this disease, and how is it diagnosed?

The patient is likely experiencing urticarial vasculitis, which is characterized by painful/burning wheals on the skin and associated joint pain. Diagnosis involves a medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Treatment may involve antihistamines, NSAIDs, and immunosuppressive medications.

Explanation:

The symptoms described suggest that the patient is experiencing a condition called urticarial vasculitis. This is characterized by the presence of painful/burning wheals on the skin, which resolve with bruising. The associated joint pain, particularly in the small joints of the hands, is also indicative of this condition.

Diagnosing urticarial vasculitis typically involves a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests. In this case, the patient's medical history is unremarkable, and physical examination reveals polycyclic edematous plaques on the back and upper legs. Laboratory tests, such as blood tests, may be conducted to assess the presence of autoantibodies and signs of inflammation.

Treatment for urticarial vasculitis may involve the use of antihistamines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressive medications. It is important for the patient to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

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