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Urticaria

Follow along on our guide to Urticaria, also called Hives, an exploration of the latest recommendations and research on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this common reaction of the mast cells of the skin, resulting in itchy raised or puffy plaques or welts. Urticaria typically appears suddenly and disappears within a few hours, but in some cases can become chronic over months or even years. Each step of the Medical Journey will delve into another aspect of the condition, including causes and triggers, genetic factors, related conditions, therapy options, coping strategies, and lessons learned from unique case studies -- all of which have undergone expert review. Every installment will also include a separate, downloadable, printable information resource for patients.

MedpageToday

Urticaria/Hives: The Search Continues for Causes

–"It's a puzzle and we're constantly trying to fit the pieces together"
Illustration of the letter i on a piece of paper over a hand over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: All About Hives

Keys to Diagnosis of Urticaria

–With no known cause in most cases, disease is a clinical diagnosis and testing is controversial
Illustration of a stethoscope with an electrocardiogram in a circle over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Understanding the Many Different Types of Hives

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria and Autoimmunity

–Endotypes linked to comorbid autoimmune disease risk
Illustration of arrows going around a clock with electrocardiogram bolts over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: How Will My Doctor Diagnose Hives?

Case Study: Terrible Recurrent Itchy Wheals All Over This Woman's Body

–Looking beyond the treatment algorithm for novel options proved worthwhile
Illustration of a written case study over a person itching the hives all over their body

Managing Comorbidities in Chronic Urticaria

–Identification and treatment are key to optimal patient outcomes
Illustration of comorbidities such as autoimmune disease, cancer, etc. over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What's the Best Treatment for Hives?

What’s New in the Treatment of Chronic Urticaria?

–International guideline creates streamlined algorithm, although more "step-down" advice is needed
Illustration of different treatment options for hives over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Is Stress Causing My Hives?

Special Considerations in Treating Urticaria in Pregnant or Lactating Patients

–Still much to be learned, but guidelines do have some advice
Illustration of a baby in the stomach of a pregnant woman with hives over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Is It Safe to Treat Hives During Pregnancy?

Case Study: Sudden Urticaria After a Stroke

–Aspirin hypersensitivity must not be overlooked in patients with unexplained itchy rashes
Illustration of a written case study over a person itching the hives all over their body

Managing Urticaria in Children and Elderly Patients

–Advice is to treat these "special patient populations" cautiously, even when using recommended therapies
Illustration of a boy and girl with hives in a circle over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Help! My Child Has Hives

Clues to Improving the Quality of Life of Patients With Chronic Urticaria

–Comorbidities, angioedema, and poor guideline compliance all contribute to the current high burden
Illustration of a plus sign and heart over hands with palms open over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: What’s Causing My Chronic Hives?

Defining Treatment Success in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

–Standardized targets, consensus on what actions to take, and guideline adherence
Illustration of an arrow in the middle of a medical red cross over hands with palms open over a person itching the hives all
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: How Well Is Your Hives Treatment Working?

Chronic Urticaria: What’s in the Treatment Pipeline?

–Researchers encouraged by novel therapies targeting disease mechanisms, mast cell depletion, and more
Illustration of different treatment options for hives over a person itching the hives all over their body
Patient Handout
For Your Patients: Living With Chronic Hives