SOME CLINICAL ASPECTS OF CHOLINERGIC URTICARIA

SUMMARY.— Clinical observations are made on a series of 22 patients with cholinergic urticaria, representing 0·2% of total referrals to dermatological out‐patients and 7% of patients with urticarial eruptions. The average age of onset was 16 and the average duration 7·5 years. The weals are widely scattered and although some coincide with follicles, others arise between them. The precipitating factors are discussed, particularly in relation to water contact; it is concluded that this acts only when heat or exercise are coincident. The fact that the same precipitating factors can play a part in other physical urticarias often leads to confusion in diagnosis. Treatment is briefly discussed and a double blind comparison of hydroxyzine with antihistamine therapy in 14 patients is described; hydroxyzine was preferred in 8 patients. Copyright © 1968, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved