Diagnosis
A rare autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent urticaria (nettle rash), first described in the 1970s. There is no defined paradigm for the syndrome aetiology and severity in progression. Diagnosis is confirmed with the identification of at least two conditions from: venulitis on skin biopsy, arthritis, ocular inflammation, abdominal pain or positive C1q antibodies to immune complexes. It is this last category, anti-C1q antibodies, that all HUV patients test positive for. In vitro experiments and mouse models of the disease have not thoroughly determined the link between these antibodies and the disease, even though the link is so pronounced. Treatment
Unfortunately there are no known specific therapies for HUV. The regime of prescription steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs aims to dampen the bodys production of anti-C1q antibodies. However, this again renders the individual immunocompromised. Popular culture
Urticarial vasculitis is featured prominently in the 2010 documentary film Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. The main character and narrator has the disease. See also
Cutaneous small-vessel vasculitis
List of cutaneous conditions

References


== External links ==
Bakers itch is a cutaneous reaction caused by bites of Acarus siro, the flour mite. See also
List of mites associated with cutaneous reactions
List of cutaneous conditions


== References ==