Acute urticaria in children: causes and an aggressive diagnostic approach

Infection, not allergy, appears to be the most common cause of acute urticaria in children. In a review of 76 cases, an association with infection was documented or suspected in 60% of cases-half of these viral. An aggressive diagnostic approach may prevent unwarranted lifelong dietary and drug restrictions or reveal a potentially serious disease, such as streptococcal pharyngitis.