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Urticaria: selected highlights and recent advances.
1Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. dibbernd@ohsu.edu
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 29, 2005
Summary
Urticaria, a challenging skin condition, is increasingly understood to have autoimmune causes in chronic cases. While antihistamines are key treatments, further research is needed for better symptom control and disease management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Allergy
Background:
- Urticaria presents a persistent diagnostic and management challenge.
- Acute urticaria is understood, but chronic urticaria pathogenesis is a recent focus.
- Autoimmune factors are increasingly identified in chronic urticaria cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding and management of urticaria.
- To highlight recent advances in chronic urticaria pathogenesis.
- To discuss treatment strategies for urticaria.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive history and physical examination.
- Limited laboratory testing.
- Review of current literature on urticaria pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Results:
- Detailed patient history is crucial for diagnosis.
- Autoimmune etiology is a significant finding in chronic urticaria.
- Antihistamines are the primary symptomatic treatment.
- Other treatments include antileukotrienes, adrenergics, steroids, and cyclosporine.
Conclusions:
- Effective symptomatic control of urticaria has improved.
- Further research is essential to impact the underlying course of urticaria.
- Understanding autoimmune links in chronic urticaria offers new therapeutic avenues.