Contact urticaria syndrome was first defined in 1975 and since then scientific interest has steadily increased. New cases are continuously being reported furnishing information on novel clinical features. A large number of compounds could be responsible for triggering the syndrome including fragrances, cosmetics, latex, preservatives, flavorings, and disinfectants.
However, contact urticaria syndrome is often misdiagnosed in part due to a misinterpretation of its clinical manifestation and lack of knowledge of appropriate testing protocols and diagnostic programs. The latter have to be individualized for each patient based on the substance in question, medical history, possible concomitant disease, and clinical symptoms reported after exposure to the suspected culprit.
Contact Urticaria Syndrome explains various aspects of this syndrome. The book discusses its definition, history, epidemiology, and occupational relevance. It also provides a detailed discussion of various triggers including proteins, chemical compounds, agricultural chemicals, metals, plants, foods, and other substances.
The book describes known immunological and nonimmunological reactions along with diagnostic tools and test procedures. This comprehensive text is a helpful resource for dermatologists, toxicologists, immunologists, physicians, and other health care providers diagnosing and treating patients with contact urticaria syndrome. It summarizes clinical experience that makes it easier for providers to select the appropriate diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.
About the Author: Ana M. Giménez-Arnau, MD, PhD, is a professor of dermatology at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. She is also a consultant physician in dermatology and venereology in the Department of Dermatology at the Hospital del Mar, Barcelona. Dr. Giménez-Arnau was president of the 12th ESCD Congress in 2014. Her publications range from the 1995 article on chronic contact aquagenic urticaria to updated 2014 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urticaria.
Howard I. Maibach, MD, is a professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Maibach's publications range from the groundbreaking 1975 article on contact urticaria syndrome to the more recent books Dermatotoxicology (2012) and Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (2014).
