Approximately 50% of chronic urticaria patients demonstrate autoantibodies against high affinity receptor of IgE (FcεRI) or IgE itself. They tend to have a high itch and wheal score, and systemic symptoms. However, in most studies histamine release assays rather than autologous serum skin test were used for their diagnosis. Our objective was to find significance of the autologous serum skin test outcome in predicting the severity of urticaria.

In last few years construction industry has been growing rapidly world over including India. It is estimated that there are about 4 million workers employed in the Indian construction industry. Himachal Pradesh, a small north-western hill state of India, too has witnessed substantial construction activities for roads, hydroelectric projects, housing and industry in recent years. However, there is overall paucity of data on occupational contact dermatitis among workers in construction activity. This pilot study provides preliminary clinico-epidemiological and etiological data on the subject....

Farming is as complex as many other industries and account for 4% off all occupationally related skin diseases. Exposure to contactants can occur through out agriculture related work that includes clearing weeds, tilling of soil, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, harvesting, using pesticides, feeding and caring livestock, handling machinery and farm equipments. With steep rise in population, there has been increased thrust on agriculture in India. However, precise data of allergens causing contact dermatitis in agriculture workers, particularly in India, remains un-elucidated. We studied...