Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Identification of Subpopulations of Patients With Cholinergic Urticaria Based on Infrared Exposure Test Results.

This study is for adults with cholinergic urticaria, a skin condition where you get itchy red spots when your body temperature rises, for example, from exercise or hot weather. Researchers are trying to understand this condition better by looking for different groups of patients. They will use an infrared light test to see if it makes some patients' symptoms appear. They want to find out if patients who react to infrared light have certain characteristics that set them apart. Understanding these different groups could help doctors find more personalised ways to manage the condition in the future. The study hopes to learn if reacting to this light test means your condition might be more severe or if certain treatments might work better for you.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Montpellier

Enrolment target

Start

30 May 2025

Estimated completion

07 Apr 2026

Cholinergic Urticaria

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a skin condition called cholinergic urticaria. If you have this condition, you'll know that getting warm – perhaps from exercise, stress, hot food, or even a warm room – can trigger itchy little bumps or spots on your skin. These symptoms are caused by your body reacting to an increase in temperature.

The researchers want to explore whether there are different 'types' of cholinergic urticaria. They previously noticed that some patients with this condition develop symptoms when exposed to infrared light. Infrared light is a type of heat radiation, similar to what you might feel from a sunlamp, but it's not visible to the eye. This study aims to find out how many patients with cholinergic urticaria react to this infrared light and, importantly, why they react.

By carefully observing these patients, the study hopes to see if those who react to infrared light have any specific features, like particular ways their symptoms appear, or other health details, that make them different from patients who don't react to infrared light. They'll also check if reacting to infrared light might tell us something about how severe the a person's condition is. Ultimately, understanding these different groups could lead to doctors being able to offer more tailored and effective ways to manage cholinergic urticaria in the future.

Key takeaways

This study investigates different 'types' of cholinergic urticaria.
It uses an infrared light test to see if it triggers symptoms in some patients.
Researchers hope to find specific characteristics that define different patient groups.
Understanding these groups could lead to more personalised treatments in the future.
The study involves an infrared exposure test and monitoring your body temperature.
You participate in one main visit for the test.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over, who has been diagnosed with cholinergic urticaria. Your doctor would have confirmed this diagnosis based on specific guidelines, and you would have had a 'trigger test' (like an exercise test to bring on your symptoms) within the last six months.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've taken certain allergy medications (like antihistamines) recently, or any other specific treatments for your urticaria, you'd need to wait a bit longer to make sure those medications are out of your system. You also can't take part if your cholinergic urticaria is very severe, causing symptoms like breathing problems, swelling (angioedema), or full-body allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

Other reasons for not being able to join include being pregnant or breastfeeding, participating in another study at the same time, or if you're unable to give your full consent or understand the study information. This study is mainly for people who are part of the French social security system due to where the research is being conducted.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with cholinergic urticaria?
Have you had a diagnostic 'trigger test' (like an exercise test) for your urticaria in the last 6 months?
Are you currently not taking certain allergy medications (H1 antihistamines) or other specific urticaria treatments?
Do you not have severe forms of cholinergic urticaria (like breathing problems or severe swelling)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main part of it will involve an 'infrared exposure test'. This test will gently expose a small area of your skin to infrared light while researchers observe for symptoms of urticaria. During this test, your body temperature will also be carefully monitored. The study doesn't involve daily treatments or long-term follow-up beyond the test itself. The researchers will gather information about your medical history and your cholinergic urticaria symptoms. The total duration of your participation would likely be limited to the session where you undergo the infrared test and related assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might benefit you by helping researchers learn more about cholinergic urticaria, which could lead to better treatments for everyone in the future. You will not receive any direct medical treatment as part of this study. The main risk involved is that the infrared exposure test might temporarily trigger your urticaria symptoms, which could cause itching and small bumps, but this is expected to be temporary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu de Montpellier
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France

Common questions

What is cholinergic urticaria?

It's a skin condition where you develop itchy red spots when your body gets warm, for example, from exercise or hot environments.

What is an infrared exposure test?

It's a test where a specific area of your skin is exposed to infrared light, which is a type of heat radiation, to see if it triggers your symptoms.

Will I get any medication in this study?

No, this study is observational, meaning it's about observing your reactions. You won't be given any new treatments or medications.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement will mostly be limited to a single visit for the infrared test and related checks.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and it won't affect your healthcare.

How to find out more

Aurélie DU-THANH, MD

a-du_thanh@chu-montpellier.fr 0467 336 906 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.