Mycophenolate mofetil as a treatment for urticarial dermatitis

The role of eosinophils in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases

Eosinophils are known to be present in inflammatory skin diseases, but their diagnostic utility is not well established. Upon review of the published status of lesional eosinophils, several categories were identified. 1) Lesional eosinophils highly characteristic such that, in their absence, the pathologist may question the diagnosis. These include arthropod bite reactions and scabies, urticarial dermatitis, and other eosinophilic dermatoses. 2) Lesional eosinophils rare or absent, such that, in their presence, the pathologist may question the diagnosis. These include pityriasis lichenoides, graft versus host disease, and connective tissue disorders. 3) Lesional eosinophils variable and, while in some cases expected, are not required for diagnosis. These include drug reactions, atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. 4) Lesional eosinophils variable and not expected but may be seen to a limited extent. These include lichen planus and psoriasis.

Consensus Statement for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria: A 2017 Update

This article is developed by the Skin Allergy Research Society of India for an updated evidence-based consensus statement for the management of urticaria, with a special reference to the Indian context. This guideline includes updated definition, causes, classification, and management of urticaria. Urticaria has a profound impact on the quality of life and causes immense distress to patients, necessitating effective treatment. One approach to manage urticaria is by identification and elimination of the underlying cause(s) and/or eliciting trigger(s) while the second one is by treatment for providing symptomatic relief. This guideline recommends the use of second-generation nonsedating H1-antihistamines as the first-line treatment. The dose can be increased up to four times to meet the expected results. In case patients still do not respond, appropriate treatment options can be selected depending on the associated medical condition, severity of the symptoms, affordability of the drugs, and accessibility of modern biologics such as omalizumab.

Urticarial Dermatitis: Clinical Characteristics of Itch and Therapeutic Response to Cyclosporine

Background

Urticarial dermatitis, which is characterised by persistent wheals with eczematous papules and plaques, is frequently misdiagnosed and difficult to treat. Patients commonly experience intolerable pruritus which may greatly affect their quality of life.

Objective

The objective of this study is to characterize the clinical patterns of pruritus in patients with urticarial dermatitis and to determine the effectiveness of cyclosporine treatment.

Methods

This prospective study included 50 histopathologically confirmed patients with urticarial dermatitis. A face-to-face structured questionnaire was given to all patients, and they were treated with low-dose cyclosporine (1~3 mg/kg/d) for at least 2 weeks.

Results

The majority of patients (80.0%) had moderate to severe pruritus. Most patients experienced exacerbation of the itch in the evening (74.0%), with the extremities (upper, 86.0%; lower, 94.0%) being the most commonly involved sites. Due to severe pruritus, patients complained about reduced social contact, quality of life and difficulties in falling asleep et al. Cyclosporine significantly reduced the mean itch score and extent of erythema, and improved interference with daily activities and sleep.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the detailed description and characteristics of pruritus in patients with urticarial dermatitis. And we recommend alternative and effective therapeutic option of low-dose cyclosporine.