Dictionary of Allergies .. Solar urticaria

Solar urticaria,  Ηλιακή κνίδωση 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[1]. The different treatment modalities available all have their practical problems, so it is difficult to provide the patient with adequate protection.

In many patients, however, treatment can reduce the symptoms and allow regular exposure of the skin to natural sunlight as the skin becomes more tolerant to the provoking wavelengths, the result being more complete protection[2]. Solar urticaria tends to be a chronic disease with a low 5-year resolution rate but can usually be effectively managed with multiple antihistamines.

References

1. Webb LM, Mikita CP. Solar urticaria. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2009 Sep-Oct;30(5):563-5.

2. Roelandts R. Diagnosis and treatment of solar urticaria. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16(1):52-6.