Solar urticaria

Abstract

Core Messages: Solar urticaria is characterized by wealing in the skin that is exposed to visible light or ultraviolet (UV) light. Solar urticaria is usually idiopathic and rarely secondary to porphyrias, drugs, and chemicals. Solar urticaria occurs at any age and may be in association with polymorphous light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, lymphocytoma cutis, SLE, and other physical urticaria. The ranges of action spectra vary among patients, and inhibition or augmentation spectra may exist in certain patients. Photoallergens of various molecular sizes have been observed in the patient's sera. Avoiding sun exposure, antihistamines, and irradiation of UV range light may be effective; however, management of solar urticaria is generally difficult. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.