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SELECTED ARTICLES FROM THE RECENT LITERATURE 2007
September 5, 2007
Does contact sensitization play a role in chronic urticaria?
Summary
Background - In a previous report, Guerra et al reported that contact sensitization to chemicals, metals or additives (often without eczematous reactions) may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic urticaria (CU). They claim that avoidance of topical application of agents eliciting positive patch tests was followed by decreased CU manifestations.
Findings - In a recent commentary, the study noted above was criticized by Asero et al of the Univ of Milan because the duration of improvement following contactant avoidance was not described. Also, there was no description of a control group who had CU, positive contactant patch tests but in whom avoidance of those contactants was not carried out. Asero et al expressed their concern that such findings were a step backward in the investigation of the pathogenesis of CU.
Reference
J Amer Acad of Dermatol 2007;57:368-9
Editor's Comments
I agree with Asero et al that the evidence for classic contact allergy in the pathogenesis of CU is not that convincing. This does not rule out the occasional cases of "contact urticaria" in which contactaants induce a local whealing.
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