ABSTRACT
Chronic urticaria (CU) is one of common diseases of dermatology. It has the clinical characteristics of allergy, multiple, recurrent and persistent recovery. The clinical symptoms of patients are mainly pruritus and wheal, and concurrent with vascular edema, some patients may even suffer from chest tightness, nausea and other systemic symptoms. Its pathogenesis is still unclear, and it is generally considered to be related to autoimmune, chronic infection, coagulation mechanism, vitamin D deficiency and so on. Among them, autoimmunity may be one of the important causes for chronic urticaria. Clinical studies mostly focus on immunoglobulin E, T cell subsets CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, cytokines interleukin-2, interferon-γ, and complement C3, C4. Western medicine therapies mostly use antihistamines. The first generation of antihistamines have an obvious inhibitory effect on central nervous system, and side reactions, such as sedative and anticholinergic Effect. Although the second generation has a reduced inhibitory effect on central nervous system, it is easy to cause heart toxicity and relapse after drug withdrawal. Therefore, it is particularly important to find a safe and effective traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) therapy. Urticaria belongs to the category of " hidden rashes" in TCM. The etiology and pathogenesis are insufficient endowment of body elements, insufficient external defense or improper diet, damp-heat connotation. Classic prescriptions and self-prepared formulas, such as Jade Screen Powder, shall be used in the treatment of phlegm and blood stasis, with a clear clinical effect and a low recurrence rate. In addition, by reducing the level of immunoglobulin E in patients, improving CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cell levels, regulating the levels of related cytokines, increasing the levels of complement C3, C4, these therapies could reduce IgE levels, release of anaphylatoxins, stimulation of mast cells and inflammatory reactions, and regulate the body' s immune function, with a satisfactory efficacy. Therefore, the author has summarized the clinical researches on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating chronic urticaria in past five years.