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The pathogenesis of urticaria
1St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas Hospital, London, UK.
The Keio Journal of Medicine
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Chronic urticaria involves mast cell activation. Up to 30% of chronic idiopathic urticaria cases may have an autoimmune basis, with autoantibodies triggering histamine release. Identifying and avoiding triggers is key.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Chronic urticaria pathophysiology involves mast cell activation and mediator release.
- A weal-producing factor is found in 60% of chronic idiopathic urticaria patients' serum.
- Functional autoantibodies against IgE or its receptor are present in half of these patients.