Solar urticaria

Abstract

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.