Papular Urticaria - An early marker of Atopic March

Abstract

Background: Papular urticaria is a common and often annoying disorder
manifested by chronic or recurrent papules caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the bites of mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, and other insects. Objective: To study the association of papular urticaria and atopy and its relevance with serum Ig E levels and ‘absolute eosinophil count’. Methods: Fifty consecutive papular urticaria patients were included in the study. History of atopy and features of cutaneous atopic disease complex was noted down. Serum Ig E and absolute eosinophil count was recommended in all patients. Results: Of included patients, 70% had history of atopy, of which 24% had personal history of atopy and 46% had family history of atopy. Only nine patients returned with Serum Ig E and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) results and all had elevated serum Ig E and AEC levels.

Conclusion: The history of atopy (both personal and family) should
be viewed seriously in all papular urticaria patients. This study reflects the atopic tendency in all papular urticaria patients and its early recognition and treatment will prevent the so called ‘atopic march’ in the child.