Chronic Urticaria In the Hispanic/Latino Community

Welcome to a new Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast, focusing on chronic urticaria in skin of color. This episode looks at how chronic urticaria (also called chronic hives) impact the Hispanic/Latino community.

This episode is made in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Our co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney talk with allergist Juanita Mora, MD, about the unique challenges Hispanic/Latino patients face living with and managing hives. Together they discuss why language, culture and skin color matter so much in getting the right diagnosis and treatment. They also discuss the lack of widespread access to all treatment options for hives, such as biologics (an injectable medication).

Learn more and listen to the podcast on ItchPodcast.com. The podcast can be downloaded on all major platforms for listening anytime, anywhere: 

Thank you to Novartis for sponsoring this episode. All opinions expressed are our own and do not reflect the views of Novartis. Sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement.

Why it’s harder for Hispanic/Latino patients to get care for hives

Dr. Mora explains how cultural differences and language barriers make it harder for Hispanic/Latino patients to get diagnosed with chronic hives.

Dr. Mora shares tips on how patients and their families can better communicate symptoms to doctors and access medical care. She also discusses the importance of finding helpful resources in Spanish language.

Key points about chronic hives in Hispanic/Latino patients

This episode covers both the medical journey patients take and the impact of living with hives. Here are important tips for managing chronic hives in the Latinx community:

  • Why culture and language matter in diagnosing hives: Cultural beliefs and language barriers can delay finding the right diagnosis and treatment.
  • Lack of options and access to treatment for Hispanic/Latino patients with hives: How doctors do not always give patients all the treatment options, such as biologics. 
  • How skin color affects diagnosis: Hives can look different on darker skin, making them harder to diagnose correctly.
  • Using technology to help your doctor: How videos and photos can clearly show doctors your hives, helping you get better treatment.
  • The importance of family support: Having family involved can help you feel more confident about getting medical care and staying with treatments.
  • Why Spanish-language resources help: Finding clear information and support in Spanish can make managing hives easier for Hispanic/Latino patients.

Timestamps for Chronic Hives in the Hispanic/Latino community

01:06 — Meet Dr. Mora

02:02 — Learning about chronic hives

02:37 — Why hives diagnosis is harder in the Latinx community

04:08 — How hives show up on darker skin

04:53 — Using photos and videos to help your doctor

08:23 — Language barriers in getting care

10:02 — Getting translation help at the doctor’s office

12:46 — Finding Spanish-language resources

15:27 — When not all treatment options are shared

18:30 — Trouble getting new treatments like biologics

21:17 — How chronic hives affect your life

23:04 — How families might not understand your condition

Additional resources on chronic hives — in Spanish and English

Resources En Espanol

Resources in English