Evaluation of Patch Test Reactivities in Patients With Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is one of the mysteries of dermatology. An association between spontaneous CIU and contact allergy sensitization is possible. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that contact allergy might play a role in disease in CIU patients. Furthermore, we examined if patch testing should be routinely performed in patients with chronic urticaria (CU). Ultimately, we concluded that patch testing should be included among the diagnostic procedures for CU.
Practice Points
- Patients with chronic urticaria (CU) without a detectable underlying etiologic factor can have positive patch test results.
- Avoidance of the sensitizing substance can be effective in CU patients and remission of symptoms can be possible after limiting their exposure to the offending allergens.
Conclusion
We propose that patch tests should be performed while investigating CU because they give effective diagnostic and therapeutic results in a substantial number of patients. Urticaria, or at least a subgroup of the disease, may have a delayed-type reaction element, which may explain the disease etiology for many CIU patients. Patients with CU without a detectable underlying etiologic factor can have positive patch test results.
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