What is chronic spontaneous urticaria?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/23/2021 - 00:35

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is an immune-related condition that causes long-lasting hives that come and go unpredictably, without any external cause. Symptoms include itchy, red bumps on the skin and swelling in the deeper layers of the skin; these symptoms can have a huge emotional and physical impact.1-4 CSU is not an allergic reaction but a chronic, systemic disorder requiring ongoing treatment.5 More than half of people with CSU remain symptomatic despite taking antihistamines.2,6

Symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria

There are effective treatments. Medical guidelines in Australia recommend that people are first treated with antihistamines at various doses. If that does not work, a range of scientifically tested medications can be prescribed by your doctor.7

IF YOUR CURRENT TREATMENT isn't providing enough relief from csu, consider discussing alternative options with your doctor.

Your voice is key in how your CSU is treated. If CSU is affecting your daily life, it's important to share this with your doctor, since they may not realize just how much CSU disrupts your life. 25% of patients feel their symptoms are worse than their doctor realizes.8

For some of these treatments you need to be in the care of an immunologist or dermatologist. Speak to your GP about a referral to an urticaria specialist.

Impact of chronic spontaneous urticaria

You deserve more - don’t let chronic spontaneous urticaria control your life. Ask your doctors about clear skin and zero itch.

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Can hives suddenly appear for no reason? Is chronic spontaneous urticaria caused by allergies? What treatments are there for chronic spontaneous urticaria? Are there guidelines for treating chronic spontaneous urticaria?

Locate a specialist

Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)Australasian College of Dermatologists

 

References

  • Balp MM, et al. JEADV Clinical Practice 2024;3(2):508-520.
  • Maurer M, A, et al. Eur J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017;72(12):2005-2016.
  • Fricke J, et al. Allergy 2020;75(2):423-432.
  • Wagner N, et al. Dermatol Ther 2021;11(3):1027-1039.
  • Powell RJ, et al. BSACI guideline for the management of chronic urticaria and angioedema. Clin Expl Allergy 2015;45(3):547-565.
  • Guillen-Aguinaga S, et al. Br J Dermatol 2016;175(6):1153-1165.
  • Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. ASCIA HP Position Paper Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Guidelines 2020. Available from https://allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_HP_Position_Paper_CSU_2020.pdf Accessed May 2026.
  • Mosnaim G, et al. Annal Allergy, Asthma Immunol 2025;134(3):375-323.e3.