What treatments are there for chronic spontaneous urticaria?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/23/2021 - 00:45

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.

ANTIHISTAMINES2,6

As a first step, your doctor may recommend antihistamines, which are effective for many people with CSU. These medicines block histamine, a molecule your cells release during CSU that cause symptoms like hives and itching. While antihistamines work well for some, others find they don't provide enough relief. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or combine them with other treatments to help reduce symptoms.

BIOLOGIC THERAPIES2,6

These medications target specific parts of your immune system to help manage inflammation and relieve CSU symptoms. Biologics are developed using living cells and are designed to act precisely on certain immune pathways. These therapies are usually considered when antihistamines don't provide enough relief. Your doctor will decide if this therapy is suitable for you.

OTHER THERAPIES7

Several new types of CSU treatments are currently being investigated. These medicines target the immune system in different ways, aiming to stop the processes in the body that cause symptoms. These drugs are still in development or are not yet approved for use in all countries. Your doctor may be able to provide information about ongoing research or clinical trials and their general relevance.

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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Chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives)

 

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

References

  • Maurer M et al. Clin Exper Allergy 2017; 47:684-692.
  • 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.
  • Maurer M et al. Allergy 2017; 72: 2005-2016.
  • Mendelson MH et al. J Dermatol Treat 2017; 28:229-236.
  • O’Donnell BF et al. Br J Dermatol 1997; 136:197–201.
  • Zuberbier T, et al. The international EAACI/GA2LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria. Allergy: Eur J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022;77(3):734-766.
  • Asero R, et al. Pharmaceuticals 2024;77(77).