The global burden of chronic urticaria for the patient and society

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 184, Issue 2 p. e36-e36 Plain Language SummaryFree Access The global burden of chronic urticaria for the patient and society First published: 05 February 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19727AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Chronic urticaria (CU) affects about 1% of the world population. It occurs in both sexes and all ages, but mostly in young/middle-aged females. It usually lasts for several years (more than a year in 25-75% of patients), and it often takes more than a year before effective management (meaning treatment) is implemented. There are two types, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), which can occur alone or together. There are several different treatment options, including a type of antihistamines called H1-antihistamines, but over a quarter of cases are resistant to H1-antihistamines (meaning the medicine does not work), even at higher doses. Other treatments, such as omalizumab and ciclosporin, control the disease only in two thirds of H1-antihistamine resistant patients. Here, we review the impact of CU on different aspects of patients’ quality of life (QoL) and the burden of this chronic disease for the patient, and for the wider society. CU may have a strong impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly when CSU is associated with angioedema (swelling deep in the skin which commonly occurs with CU) and/or Chronic Inducible Urticaria (CIndU). Comorbidities, meaning disorders such as anxiety and depression that occur alongside CU, are present in more than 30% of CSU patients and compound HRQoL impairment. Severe itching and the unpredictable occurrence of wheals and angioedema are responsible for sleep disorders, sexual dysfunction, limitations on daily life, work and sports activities, as well as interfering with life within the family and in society, and with patients’ performance at school and work. Apart from treatment costs, CU is associated with a high consumption of medical resources and other indirect costs, as outlined in the full study. Linked Article: Gonçalo et al. Br J Dermatol 2021; 184:226–236. Volume184, Issue2February 2021Pages e36-e36 RelatedInformation