Urticaria
An Introduction to Urticaria
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is an allergic skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin. These welts, or wheals, can vary in size and shape, often appear suddenly and may change location rapidly. Urticaria typically results from the body’s immune response releasing histamines and other chemicals in response to allergens, medications, infections or other triggers. There are two main types of urticaria: acute and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria lasts for a short period, usually a few hours to a few days, and is often caused by specific triggers, such as certain foods, medications, insect stings or infections. Chronic urticaria can persist for more than 6 weeks. Identifying its cause can be more challenging than for acute urticaria; this type of urticaria may be linked to autoimmune factors, underlying medical conditions or other triggers. Symptoms of urticaria include itching, redness and the appearance of pale or red welts on the skin. Angioedema, which involves swelling beneath the skin, may occur in some cases. The management of urticaria involves identifying and avoiding triggers whenever possible. Antihistamines are commonly used to relieve itching and reduce the severity of symptoms. For chronic urticaria, additional medications or treatments may be needed to manage the condition. In cases of severe allergic reactions or angioedema, medical attention and epinephrine may be required. While it can be uncomfortable and distressing, urticaria can be effectively managed with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments in most cases.
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With a career that bridges continents and disciplines, we are delighted to feature Dr Yi-Kui Xiang in our touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2025 initiative. Based in Berlin, Germany, Dr Xiang serves as a clinical scientist at both the Charité Institute of Allergology and the Fraunhofer Institute for Immunology and Allergology, but also maintains a clinical role at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital in China. His research interests span from urticaria, IgE-mediated autoimmunity and allergology to alopecia, pruritus, psychodermatology and patient-reported outcomes.
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We are delighted to announce that Professor Luis FC Ensina has joined the Expert Faculty of touchDERMATOLOGY. A distinguished allergologist, Professor Ensina is renowned for his expertise in urticaria, drug allergies and angioedema. His extensive contributions to clinical care, research ...
Briquilimab, an anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody, is being investigated for its ability to selectively deplete mast cells and alleviate the symptoms of CSU. At this year’s American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress (San Diego, CA, USA; 28 February–3 March 2025), the initial results from BEACON (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06162728), a phase Ib/IIa dose-escalation study of briquilimab in adults with CSU, were presented.3,4
At this year’s American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI)/ World Allergy Organization (WAO) Joint Congress, findings from the pooled analysis of two phase III trials (LIBERTY-CSU CUPID Study A and Study C; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04180488) investigating dupilumab in omalizumab-naïve patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) were presented.
Renowned for his work in urticaria, drug allergies and angioedema, Professor Luis FC Ensina is a distinguished allergologist. As a Professor of the Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil and ...
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Barzolvolimab, is an anti-KIT monoclonal antibody, currently under investigation for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Building on the promising results delivered from the initial 12-week trial, we now turn to key findings from the 52-week extension study, which evaluates the drug's longer-term efficacy and safety.
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Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is a distressing condition characterized by the spontaneous appearance of itchy wheals and angioedema, persisting for six weeks or longer. For many patients, the struggle to manage symptoms remains challenging despite the use of H1-antihistamines. However, recent advancements offer new hope. At the EAACI 2024 meeting in Valencia, Spain, groundbreaking data was presented on several promising new compounds. In this article, we share some of the latest developments.
There are currently multiple therapeutics showing promise in clinical trials for chronic urticaria including anti-IL-4 monoclonal antibodies, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and anti-KIT-monoklonal antibodies. touchDERMATOLOGY were delighted to speak with Expert Faculty member Professor Emek Kocatürk (Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey & Charite University Institute of Allergology) to discuss the latest advancements and investigational therapeutics in chronic urticaria medicine. The presentation 'Incoming treatments for Chronic Urticaria' (Presentation ID D2T05.3C) was presented at EADV 2023, Berlin, 11-14 October 2023 #EADVCongress. Questions Could you give us a brief overview of the current guidelines for chronic urticaria management? (0:30) What investigational therapeutics show promise for chronic urticaria? (3:49) Disclosures: Emek Kocatürk discloses serving on advisory boards for Novartis, and Menarini. Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Victoria Jones and Katey Gabrysch. This content was developed by Touch Medical Media and is not affiliated with the  European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology  (EADV) or the congress.Â
Ligelizumab is a monoclonal antibody recently investigated in the phase 3 PEARL-1 and PEARL-2 studies for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03580369 & NCT03580356). In this touchIMMUNOLOGY interview, we spoke with Dr. Luis Felipe C. Ensina (Federal ...
Phase 2 results of remibrutinib for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) show a fast and sustained response to treatment. While the phase 3b trial is ongoing, touchIMMUNOLOGY were delighted to speak with Prof. Marcus Maurer (Professor of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité – Universitä...
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