Acute urticaria is a common disorder for which a cause is frequently apparent. A cause is less frequently established for intermittent and chronic urticaria (CU). 

 

Patients with CU (hives and/or swelling on a near daily basis for 6 or more weeks) have a significantly impaired quality of life. Despite recent advances in the field of CU, the investigation and management thereof remains a clinical challenge. CU is frequently over-investigated and when investigations are performed, they are frequently inappropriately selected.

 

Allergy to foods or food additives is seldom ever a cause of CU. The condition is usually of an 'auto-immune nature', that is, functionally active auto-antibodies to the high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) or the IgE antibody itself. Dr Du Toit is able to investigate for these auto-immune factors. To do so he will send blood to the Reflab in Denmark for Basophil Histamine Release Assay testing. In addition, select patients will need to undergo Autologous Serum Skin Testing (ASST) on the day of their appointment.

 

 The frequent urticarial lesions, and mucosal swellings (angioedema) prove embarrassing and uncomfortable. Patients with CU are often inadequately treated: Dr Du Toit will tailor a treatment regimen that gains control with as few possible side effects.