Severe refractory cholinergic urticaria treated with danazol.
BACKGROUND
Cholinergic urticaria is a form of physical urticaria triggered by a rise in core body temperature. Antihistamines are the mainstay of treatment; however, adequate symptom control can sometimes be difficult to maintain. Limited data suggest danazol may be an effective alternative in severe, refractory cases.


RESULTS
We present a case of a 22-year-old male with severe, refractory cholinergic urticaria. Despite treatment with high doses of antihistamines, he continued to have symptoms that impaired his ability to function. Treatment with danazol resulted in a significant improvement in the control of his urticaria.


CONCLUSIONS
Cholinergic urticaria can sometimes be severe. In cases that fail to respond to traditional forms of treatment, danazol is a viable alternative for the treatment of cholinergic urticaria. Given the potential adverse effects associated with its use, danazol should be reserved for more severe and refractory cases.
La Shell
Mark S
MS
Department of Primary Care, Yokota AFB, Japan. mark.lashell@yokota.af.mil
England
Ronald W
RW
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D003613:Danazol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014581:Urticaria / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D003613:Danazol