Urticaria (hives)

• Food allergy or intolerance.

64 patients with urticaria were given a diet free of items to which individuals are commonly sensitive, including food additives. Symptoms ceased or were greatly reduced within 2 weeks on the diet in 73% of the patients. Follow-up at 6 months showed complete remission in 46% of those on the diet. Zuberbier T et al: Pseudoallergen-free diet in the treatment of chronic urticaria. A prospective study. Acta Derm Venereol 75(6):484-7, 1995.