Contact Urticaria Syndrome: 1997

Abstract

Contact urticaria syndrome (CUS) consists of a heterogeneous group of vascular and inflammatory reactions that occur within minutes to an hour of contact with a causative agent. Reactions can vary from a localized wheal and flare, to more systemic aspects – asthma, anaphylaxis, and even death – depending upon the agent and patient response. The breadth of eliciting agents and incidence of CUS has been growing as awareness of the syndrome has developed, although the true scope of the syndrome in the general population remains uncertain due to a lack of epidemiological information. Diagnosis has historically been and remains difficult, as reactions typically disappear within hours and before patients even meet with a healthcare worker. As a result, detailed patient histories and immediate type allergy testing are the primary modes of diagnosis. Treatment consists primarily of awareness and agent avoidance. Extreme cases may require patients to wear a bracelet detailing their allergies, and possibly carry antihistamines or self-administered epinephrine.