Urticaria associated with dermatophytosis.

BACKGROUND Although urticaria has been reported in association with tinea or other fungal infections, usually this relationship is considered coincidental. CLINICAL CASE We report the case of a patient that developed two episodies of generalised urticaria associated with dermatophytosis. An allergologic studied was performed. Skin prick tests with a battery of common inhalant allergens and foods were negative. A culture of scrapings from lesions was performed and Epidermophyton floccosum colonies were identified. The patient was treated with oral antihistamines and topical clotrimazole and the skin lesion and urticaria healed in 14 days in the first episode and in 10 days in the second one. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a relationship between dermatophytosis and urticaria. Therefore, the allergologist should be aware of tinea infection as a cause of urticaria.