URTICARIA: Diagnostic Work-up and Management

One aspect of management of urticaria noteworthy for its lack of value is extensive scratch testing. Some 10 to 20 percent of cases of hives are thought to be emotional in origin. Recognized causes include drugs (chiefly penicillin and aspirin), foods, insect stings, inhalants, cold, heat, sunlight, pressure and water. Recent studies suggest that candidal organisms and food yeasts may be important in 20 percent of cases of chronic urticaria. Rarely, urticaria is inherited.