Does Oxidative Stress Play a Role in the Pathogenesis of Urticarias?

Abstract

Radical oxygen species (ROS) modulate various cellular processes and are involved in physiologic and pathologic conditions, including inflammation. There is growing evidence that supports the existence of an abnormal redox status in some chronic inflammatory skin diseases, including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This review introduces some general aspects on the role of oxidative stress in cutaneous inflammation, with special emphasis on urticarias, summarizing recent novel findings derived from the study of physical urticarias and chronic idiopathic urticaria.