Light urticaria

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Merklen 1904

Urticaria solaris, solar urticaria, photoallergic urticaria, solar urticaria

A form of urticaria that can be triggered by UV radiation (from infrared to UVC)

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UV radiation (from short-wave IR to long-wave UVC rays) is the trigger. Almost all patients react to visible light. A precursor of the allergen (chromophore) absorbs incident UV radiation and becomes the photoallergen. Specific IgE causes histamine release and the development of urticaria.

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Urticaria in the area of UV-exposed sites. In rare cases, Quincke's oedema and an anaphylactic reaction may occur.

Anamnesis

Clinical picture

Photoprovocation testing (UVA, -B, -C, IR, visible light) with determination of minimum urticaria dose (MUD)

Anaphylactic reactions have been described in case of whole body exposure.

UV protection

Chronic.

Light hardening: The habituation effect usually lasts only a few days.

Photochemotherapy: 

  • PUVA therapy

Prednisolone approx. 0.5-1 mg / kg bw 1x daily, rapidly tapering off.

Antihistamines e.g. Xyzal 5 mg 1x tgl.

Ciclosporin 3-5mg /kg bw short-term.

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