Perspectives on Living with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: From Onset through Diagnosis and Disease Management in the US

Authors

  • Stanley Goldstein
  • Sanaz Eftekhari
  • Lynda Mitchell
  • Tonya A. Winders
  • Leslie Kaufman
  • Debra Dudas
  • Brandee Paknis
  • Abhishek Kavati
  • Virginie Delwart
  • Howard L. Sofen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-3282

Keywords:

urticaria, hives, quality of life, urticaria psychology, qualitative research

Abstract

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is challenging to manage and substantially affects quality of life. This US, non-interventional qualitative study examined patients? clinical journeys and emotional burden from symptom onset through disease management. Chronic spontaneous urticaria patients participated in interviews and completed diaries focusing on disease and treatment history/perspectives, impact on personal/family life, and relationships with physicians/other healthcare providers. Physicians were interviewed about their views on disease management and patient care. Twenty-five patients, previously or currently receiving chronic spontaneous urticaria treatment(s), and 12 physicians participated. Key stages following symptom onset were identified: Crisis (associated with feelings of torment/disorientation/shock); Searching for answers (puzzlement/frustration/anxiety); Diagnosis (relief/satisfaction/fear/isolation); and Disease management (frustration/hope/powerlessness). Findings revealed patients? perceptions and experiences of chronic spontaneous urticaria, including living with a ?skinemy?, experiencing their ?own personal hell? and feeling ?like an experiment?. Awareness of unmet needs in patient care/management identified in this study may ultimately improve patient support and enhance physicians? understanding of disease burden.

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Published

2019-08-29

How to Cite

Goldstein, S., Eftekhari, S., Mitchell, L., Winders, T. A., Kaufman, L., Dudas, D., … Sofen, H. L. (2019). Perspectives on Living with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: From Onset through Diagnosis and Disease Management in the US. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 99(12), 1091–1098. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-3282

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Section

Articles