Skin and Me logo

CSU - Towards an itch free future together

PAIR Patient Academy for Innovation & Research logo
CSU Awareness Hub
Find a Doctor Join Support Group
Patient-first CSU education

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)

Clear answers, practical support, and confidence for every step of your CSU journey.

CSU can feel unpredictable. This hub helps you understand symptoms, explore treatment conversations, and find simple ways to feel more in control.

Talk to a doctor Learn about CSU

Seek urgent care now if you have signs of a severe reaction

CSU hives are distressing, but breathing or swelling symptoms need immediate medical attention.

  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
  • Fainting, dizziness, or severe weakness

Understanding CSU

What is CSU?

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a condition that causes itchy hives, swelling, or both for six weeks or longer—often without a clear external cause.

CSU at a glance

Also calledChronic hives
Typical duration6 weeks or more
Common experienceItchy welts that come and go
Who can get it?Anyone, at any age

It is real—and support can help.

Even when a trigger is not obvious, symptoms are valid. A healthcare professional can help rule out other causes and create a plan that fits your needs.

A doctor evaluates a patient's skin condition in a clinical setting with appropriate medical attire.

Possible influences

Causes & triggers

CSU is not caused by one thing. These factors can sometimes worsen symptoms for some people.

Immune activity

An overactive immune response may play a role in CSU.

Heat or pressure

Warmth, tight clothing, or pressure can aggravate skin.

Stress

Stress does not cause CSU, but may make flares feel worse.

Some medicines

Discuss possible medicine-related flares with your doctor.

Infections

Illness can occasionally coincide with a symptom flare.

Individual patterns

A symptom diary can help you notice your own patterns.

Common symptoms

  • Hives (wheals) — Raised, itchy welts that can appear anywhere on the body, often shifting location and typically fading within 24 hours before new ones appear.
  • Itching (pruritus) — Often intense, and frequently worse in the evening or at night.
  • Angioedema — Deeper swelling, usually of the lips, eyelids, hands, feet, or throat, which can accompany the hives in a portion of people.

When to speak with a doctor

A clinician can help you understand symptoms and discuss treatment options.

  • Hives continue for six weeks or longer
  • Sleep, work, or daily life is being affected
  • You have swelling or symptoms that concern you

Clear up the confusion

Myths vs. Facts

Accurate information can make CSU feel less overwhelming.

❌ MYTH

“CSU is always caused by an allergy.”

✅ FACT

Often, there is no single allergy or obvious outside cause.

❌ MYTH

“Hives are just a cosmetic problem.”

✅ FACT

CSU can affect sleep, focus, mood, and everyday confidence.

❌ MYTH

“Nothing can help chronic hives.”

✅ FACT

There are treatment options and supportive habits to discuss.

Build your care plan

Treatments & self-care

Treatment is personal. Your healthcare professional can guide you toward the right next step.

1

Track symptoms

Note timing, symptoms, and possible patterns.

2

Talk openly

Share how CSU affects your everyday life.

3

Explore options

Ask about suitable medicines and care approaches.

4

Review regularly

Keep your care plan aligned with your needs.

Gentle safe care ideas

1Wear loose, soft clothing: Breathable cotton and non-tight fits reduce pressure and friction on the skin; pressure can trigger flares in some people.

2Keep skin cool : Cool compresses or a lukewarm shower can calm hives and itching; avoid hot water, which tends to worsen them.

3Manage stress gently Stress is a common aggravator, so calming routines like slow breathing, light walks, or good sleep hygiene can help reduce flare frequency.

4Track and avoid triggers Keep a simple diary of flares alongside heat, stress, tight clothing, certain foods, NSAIDs, or infections to spot patterns worth avoiding.

Your questions answered

Frequently asked questions

No. CSU is not contagious, and you cannot pass it to another person through contact.

Food is not the cause for most people with CSU. Avoiding foods without medical guidance may not help, so discuss concerns with your clinician.

An individual hive often fades within 24 hours, while new hives may appear elsewhere.

Photos and a symptom diary can be useful to share with a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms come and go.

Share & spread awareness

CSU Awareness Creatives

Simple, shareable visuals to help you and your loved ones understand CSU better. Feel free to save and share these with your community.

Infographic: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) — More than just hives, key facts about symptoms and diagnosis.
Infographic: CSU — Separating myth from fact, common misconceptions about chronic hives explained.
Infographic: Living with CSU, you are not the only one — community support message.

You are not alone

Join our CSU Patient Support Group

Find patient-friendly conversations, practical encouragement, and community resources that meet you where you are.

🔗 LinkedIn Group 📘 Facebook Group 💬 WhatsApp Group