What is Urticaria
Symptoms of Urticaria include:
- Batches of welts (wheals) that can arise anywhere on the body
- Welts that might be red, purple or skin-coloured, depending on your skin colour
- Welts that vary in size, change shape and appear and fade repeatedly
- Itchiness (pruritus), which can be intense
- Painful swelling (angioedema) around the eyes, cheeks or lips
- Flares triggered by heat, exercise or stress
- Symptoms that persist for more than six weeks and recur often and anytime, sometimes for months or years
When to see a doctor:
See your healthcare provider if you have severe hives or hives that last for more than a few days.
Useful tools
Urticaria is more than a skin issue; it comes with various comorbidities. Recognizing and addressing these additional health challenges is crucial for a holistic approach to understanding and managing the challenges individuals with this condition face. Read more about different types of urticaria here.
Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Capacity Building
These capacity-building sessions were developed to provide all the patient advocacy groups working in Urticaria with the education, information, and tools that they deemed necessary to increase their capacity and grow their organizations. Three sessions were developed for the health care system, patient organization foundation, and social media. These resources are now available for everyone in several languages.
The GAAPP Chronic Urticaria Shared Decision-Making Tool:
An online resource to help you in your chronic urticaria journey.
At GAAPP, we believe that all people with chronic urticaria should actively share in decisions regarding their treatment and how their condition is managed. We therefore created this online tool to help you document our symptoms, their impact, and what you value in the treatment and management of your condition. After completing the online tool, you can email a copy of your report to yourself for discussion with your doctor.
Chronic Urticaria Educational Flyers (9 languages).
This one-page guide provides a clear and concise overview of chronic urticaria (CU), also known as chronic hives, a condition characterized by recurring, itchy welts lasting more than six weeks. It explains the difference between CU and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), outlines common symptoms and potential triggers (both internal and external), and highlights related autoimmune conditions. The document offers diagnostic tips, treatment options, and practical self-care strategies to help individuals manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Chronic Urticaria Patient Charter Summary (12 languages and growing!)
This one-page summary outlines five key principles from the Patient Charter for Chronic Urticaria, created by patients, advocates, healthcare providers, and experts. It emphasizes the rights of people living with CU to receive a timely and accurate diagnosis, access innovative and effective treatments, receive holistic care that includes mental health, avoid unnecessary side effects, and consult specialists when needed. The charter encourages patients to take an active role in their care and seek support throughout their journey.
CRUSE® App
The CRUSE Control Urticaria® app is designed to help patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) manage their condition effectively. Developed by renowned dermatologists and allergists, the app allows users to record daily symptoms and assess their impact on quality of life. This continuous monitoring aids both patients and physicians in tracking treatment responses and making informed adjustments. Available in multiple languages, CRUSE® aims to enhance disease management and improve patient outcomes.
Urticaria Expert Videos
Patient Stories
2024
Elena, Italy
Maria, Peru
Maryvic, Philippines
Mustafina Mereke, Kazakhstan
Natasha, Canada
Fanny, Ecuador
Kathrin, Germany
2023
2022
Zenobia, South Africa
Chandra, India
Margarida, Portugal
All Things Urticaria Podcast
Since 2020 this podcast is an invaluable resource for health care professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about urticaria. In the first 97 episodes, Prof. Marcus Maurer († 31.07.2024) is joined by colleagues for in-depth discussions on the latest research and opinion on the pathogenesis and treatment of urticaria. Prof. Torsten Zuberbier has taken on this role. All opinions expressed are those of the faculty. This content should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only.
Learn more about the network and its activities here: https://ucare-network.com/
UDAY & New Guidelines: Empowering Patients Worldwide
A new UDAY podcast is now available. In this episode, Prof. Torsten Zuberbier, President of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, speaks with Prof. Petra Staubach, urticaria expert from Germany, about why Urticaria Day (UDAY) matters, the burden faced by patients, and what the 2025 treatment guidelines bring. From new therapies to stronger advocacy, they highlight why urticaria is a serious disease that deserves global awareness.
CRUSE CONTROL: A Chronic Urticaria Self-Evaluation App
How should I treat patients who experience a slow or partial response?
Urticaria and Daily Life
Patient Organisations
Here you can find all the patient organisations that we support and support us.
Overview of Clinical Trials Worldwide
A searchable database for urticaria clinical trials near you
