Relevance of food allergies and intolerance reactions as causes of urticaria

Abstract

Adverse reactions to food can be identified as underlying causes in various urticarial diseases. Genuine IgE-dependent allergic reactions to food are known to play a role in acute urticaria (especially in young children), in some cases of exercise-induced urticaria, and in contact urticaria. Intolerance reactions to certain foods (pseudo-allergens) are recognized causes of chronic urticaria. A thorough and detailed history, keeping a urticaria diary, quantification of specific serum IgE, and skin tests as well as elimination and provocation tests can help to identify food allergy or intolerance as causes of urticaria. In urticaria patients diagnosed with food allergy or intolerance, appropriate diets will usually result in the complete remission of disease.