Solar Urticaria

Characteristics and Prognosis of Idiopathic Solar Urticaria

“…Monfrecola et al 1 failed to detect UV-B sensitivity; in contrast, 22% of our patients reacted at 305±5 nm. We found a pattern of wavelength sensitivity similar to that found by Ryckaert et al, 3 but with a greater proportion sensitive to the long UV-A and short visible wavelengths, thus explaining the high frequency of perennial symptoms (68%) and of induction of SU by sunlight transmitted by window glass (83%) and clothing (76%).…”

Drug‐induced solar urticaria due to tetracycline

“… 13 However, in a recent series, 48% of patients with solar urticaria were atopic and 29% had atopy in the immediate family. 12 In the case presented here, photosensitivity was only demonstrated when the patient was on tetracycline and was therefore felt to be unrelated to her past history of atopic eczema.…”

“…11 The severity of the reaction depends on the sensitivity of the patient, the length of time of the exposure and the intensity of the solar irradiation. 12 Severe, generalized solar urticaria may be associated with headache, nausea, bronchospasm, syncope and even circulatory collapse. Solar urticaria usually affects all exposed sites, especially the arms and ‘v’ area of the neck, often with sharp demarcation at lines of clothing.…”

Solar urticaria treated successfully with intravenous high‐dose immunoglobulin: a case report

“…The control of solar urticaria is difficult and challenging because the first‐line treatments (photoprotection measures, oral antihistamines and phototherapy) can be inefficient and disappointing (3, 4). There are some anecdotal reports concerning the efficacy of other treatments such as plasmapheresis, cyclosporin A, chloroquine phosphate and doxepine, but besides being not always effective (2), they can lead to several severe side effects, so their use should be limited (4). There are a few reports in the recent past of cases successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (3, 4).…”