Helicobacter pylori as a Possible Bacterial Focus of Chronic Urticaria

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria is one of the most frequent skin diseases. Its cause, however, remains unsolved in a large number of cases. Recent investigations pointed to a potential role of Helicobacter pylori infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract as a possible causative agent in chronic urticaria. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a 14-day eradication therapy on chronic urticaria. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic urticaria and confirmed H. pylori infection were treated with amoxicillin and omeprazole. Follow-up was conducted over a period of 6 months concerning eradication of H. pylori and remission of urticaria. RESULTS: Only 8 out of 30 patients (26.7%) showed clinical improvement or disappearance of their urticarial symptoms. CONCLUSION: Though our results do not support the preliminary data of previous studies, the role of H. pylori as a possible bacterial focus of chronic urticaria has to be further investigated.