title: Pathogenesis and classification of solar urticaria: a new concept.
abstract: Although its exact mechanism remains unknown, evidence supports the immunologic nature of solar urticaria. On the basis of experimental findings in the literature and our own observations, a new concept of the pathogenesis and classification of solar urticaria is presented. We propose two types of solar urticaria: type I, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to specific photoallergens, which are generated only in patients with solar urticaria, and type II, induction of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to a nonspecific photoallergen, which is generated both in patients with solar urticaria and in normal persons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Düsseldorf, West Germany.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Leenutaphong
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hölzle
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Plewig
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014581:Urticaria / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology