PAPULAR URTICARIA

What is Papular Urticaria?
Papular urticaria a common disorder characterized by chronic or recurring papules caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the bites of mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, and other insects.  It tends to be present during the spring and summer months.  This mostly occurs in children who eventually outgrown the disorder, most likely due to desensitization after multiple arthropod exposures.  This condition can occur in adults but much less frequently.

How is Papular Urticaria treated?
Treatment is conservative and usually involves only treating the symptoms, mainly the bothersome pruritus (itching).  This includes using mild topical steroids and systemic antihistamines.  Insect repellants and flea and tick control are also necessary when treating this condition.  Patients should be educated that this is a benign self-limited eruption.

References:
Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH, Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School.  Papular Urticaria. EMedicine.com 3/26/2010