Urticaria is one of the most common dermatological and allergological cutaneous reactions and, compared to other diseases, it is easily recognized by patients and physicians alike. Czarnetzki, now with the married name Henz) appeared, giving a detailed and thorough review of the then current state of knowledge regarding all aspects of the disease.

1 The Spectrum of Urticaria.- 1.1 Historical Aspects.- 1.2 Definition and Classification.- 1.3 Pathogenesis.- 1.4 Epidemiology.- 1.5 Clinical Aspects.- 1.6 Clinical Aspects of Intolerance Reactions.- 2 Causes of Urticaria.- 2.1 General Aspects.- 2.2 Allergic Urticaria.- 2.3 Pseudoalleles.- 2.4 Infections and Infestations.- 2.5 Internal Diseases.- 2.6 Hormones and Hormonal Dysfunctions.- 2.7 Neurologic and Psychological Factors.- 2.8 Stinging Insects and Plants.- 3 Acute and Chronic Urticaria.- 3.1 Definition.- 3.2 General Aspects.- 3.3 Epidemiology.- 3.4 Acute Urticaria.- 3.5 Chronic Urticaria.- 4 Angioedema.- 4.1 Definition.- 4.2 Epidemiology.- 4.3 Clinical Manifestations.- 4.4 Course and Prognosis.- 4.5 Diagnosis.- 4.6 Differential Diagnosis.- 4.7 Therapy.- 5 Physical Urticaria.- 5.1 General Aspects.- 5.2 Dermographic Urticaria.- 5.3 Delayed Pressure Urticaria.- 5.4 Cold Urticaria.- 5.5 Heat Contact Urticaria.- 5.6 Solar Urticaria.- 6 Cholinergic Urticaria.- 6.1 Definition.- 6.2 Epidemiology.- 6.3 Clinical Manifestations.- 6.4 Associated Diseases.- 6.5 Diagnosis.- 6.6 Differential Diagnosis.- 6.7 Related Diseases.- 6.8 Therapy.- 7 Contact Urticaria.- 7.1 Definition.- 7.2 Epidemiology.- 7.3 Clinical Manifestations.- 7.4 Different Types of Contact Urticaria.- 7.5 Diagnosis.- 7.6 Differential Diagnosis.- 7.7 Associated Diseases.- 7.8 Therapy.- 7.9 Latex Allergy.- 7.10 AquagenicUrticaria.- 8 Urticarial Vasculitis Syndrome.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Epidemiology.- 8.3 Clinical Manifestation.- 8.4 Diagnosis.- 8.5 Associated Diseases.- 8.6 Differential Diagnosis.- 8.7 Therapy.- 9 Mastocytosis (Urticaria Pigmentosa).- 9.1 Definition.- 9.2 Epidemiology.- 9.3 Clinical Manifestations.- 9.4 Symptomatology.- 9.5 Histology.- 9.6 Laboratory Findings.- 9.7 Diagnosis.- 9.8 Prognosis.- 9.9 Therapy.- 10 Diagnosis of Urticaria.- 10.1 Practical Approach.- 10.2 Tests for Allergy.- 10.3 Diagnosis of Intolerance Reactions.- 10.4 Other Laboratory Tests.- 10.5 Differential Diagnosis.- 11 Urticaria Therapy.- 11.1 Basic Therapeutic Considerations.- 11.2 Treatment of Causes.- 11.3 Mast Cell-Directed Therapy.- 11.4 Therapy at the Target Organ.- 11.5 Prophylactic Therapy.- 11.6 Emergency Treatment.- A Urticaria Questionnaire.- B Urticaria Diary.- C Test Protocol: Physical Urticaria.- D1 Low Pseudoallergen Diet.- D2 Expansion of the Low Pseudoallergen Diet After Freedom of Symptoms Has Been Obtained.- E Low Pseudoallergen Diet — Suggestions for Recipes.

This book provides a practical, comprehensive review of all clinical aspects and causes as well as the diagnosis and therapy of different types of urticaria. The various chapters deal with acute and chronic urticaria, angioedema, physical urticaria, contact urticaria, pseudoallergic reactions, urticarial vasculitis and mastocytosis. The book is a revision of a monograph which appeared in 1986 and which was since revised twice, particularly regarding newer insights regarding the possible causes of and novel therapeutic approaches to urticaria. The book will hopefully be a practical help in the management of patients with urticaria for physicians specialized in dermatology, allergology, internal medicine, pediatrics and general medicine alike.

Practical guidelines to the clinical manifestations Illustrations of the clinical aspects Aids diagnosis by means of flow charts and numerous tables Practical lists of dietary and other therapeutic measures