Marie-Sylvie Doutre | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

Chronic urticaria and thyroid auto-immunity.

The association between thyroid auto-immunity and chronic urticaria (CU) has long been recognized as significant. The prevalence of antithyroid antibodies (ATAs) has been estimated as 12 to 29%. However, most studies have suggested that these auto-antibodies are not a direct causative agent in CU. In some patients, ATAs are associated with the presence of anti-immunoglobulin E receptor antibodies. It appears more likely that these antibodies are associated, parallel, auto-immune events. The effects of hormonal treatment on clinical symptoms of CU are controversial. They must be evaluated by controlled trials.

Autoantibodies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Occupational contact urticaria and protein contact dermatitis.

Irritant dermatitis and eczema are the most prevalent occupational skin diseases. Less common are immediate contact reactions such as contact urticaria and protein contact dermatitis. Occupational contact urticaria can be subdivided into two categories, immunological and non immunological. However, some agents can induce these two types of reactions. Contact urticaria to natural rubber latex is particularly frequent among health care personnel, but contact urticaria to a wide variety of other substances occurs in many other occupations. Among those at risk are cooks, bakers, butchers, restaurant personnel, veterinarians, hairdressers, florists, gardeners, and forestry workers. Protein contact dermatitis in some of these occupations is caused principally by proteins of animal or plant origin, especially among individuals with a history of atopic dermatitis. Diagnosis requires careful interrogation, clinical examination and skin tests (open tests and prick tests with immediate lecture) to identify a particular contact allergen.

Dermatitis, Contact↗