Solar urticaria.
A case of solar urticaria is presented, followed by a discussion of the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this disease. Special emphasis is given to clinical pearls and pitfalls for the practicing allergist. Solar urticaria is a physical urticaria that can be difficult to diagnose and distinguish from other photodermatoses. There are some characteristic features that are important to remember when evaluating a patient with suspected solar urticaria. Testing can be difficult without the assistance of an experienced dermatologist because there are several different wavelengths of light that can lead to a patient's symptoms. Solar urticaria tends to be a chronic disease with a low 5-year resolution rate but can usually be effectively managed with multiple antihistamines.
Webb
Luke M
LM
Department of Allergy and Immunology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20307, USA. luke.webb@us.army.miland
Mikita
Cecilia P
CP
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014581:Urticaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
D006633:Histamine Antagonists