Orticaria fisica: Classificazione e diagnosi

Physical urticarias are a subgroup of chronic urticarias characterized by the appearance of wheals due to physical stimuli. In fact, lesions of physical urticarias develop, in an almost reproducible way and after a variable period of latency, in consequence of the exposure of the skin to physical/environmental stimuli. Lesions are usually limited to skin areas exposed to such stimuli, although systemic and mucosal reactions may also occur. Similarly to other forms of urticaria, history is a fundamental step in diagnostic workup. Site of involvement and distribution of lesions may lead to suspect clinical diagnosis which should be confirmed by specific challenge tests.