Chronic spontaneous urticaria treatment options

Chronic hives shouldn’t control your life, yet most people with chronic spontaneous urticaria do not have good control of their symptoms.¹ But there are effective treatments that can clear itch and hives and prevent any associated swelling.²

Studies have shown that chronic spontaneous urticaria, if not controlled, or only partially controlled, has a major impact on the quality of sleep and the social and working lives of individuals.^3-5

There is no cure for chronic spontaneous urticaria. The goal of treatment is to control or suppress symptoms and to continue treatment until the symptoms are completely gone.²

The most common treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria are antihistamines. There are also other medications that your doctor can prescribe.

• Antihistamines are the first line of treatment and work by neutralising the histamines released by mast cells which have been activated by your immune system.⁶ Your doctor may try different types and different doses to control the symptoms.
• Around 50% of people won’t respond to antihistamines. In these cases another medication may be prescribed.
• There are effective treatments. To receive some of these, you need to be in the care of an immunologist or dermatologist. Speak to your GP about a referral to an urticaria specialist.

Adherence to medication is important for control of your symptoms, and although it won’t cure the disease it can help improve your quality of life.²

Many people stop treatment when their symptoms disappear, but any medication should be used according to how your doctor prescribed it and is important for long-term management of your condition.

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