Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Urticaria in Skin of Color

Welcome to our Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast series on chronic urticaria in skin of color. This new series explores the challenges of diagnosing and treating chronic hives in people with skin of color.

This episode is produced in partnership with The Itch Podcast. Ama Alexis, MD, joins co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney to discuss how chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) appears in darker skin tones. We talk about how the lack of information about hives in skin of color online and in medical literature causes delays in patient care. Dr. Alexis also shares tips on photographing hives effectively to help in the diagnosis process.

The episode ends with a discussion on whether having a provider who patients can identify with will improve shared decision-making and long-term care.

Learn more on ItchPodcast.com. This podcast can be downloaded on all major platforms for listening anytime, anywhere:

This podcast is sponsored by Genentech.

All opinions on the show represent the views of the podcasters and the guest. Sponsorship does not influence content or editorial decisions. Any mention of brands is for informational purposes and not an endorsement. 

Recognizing Urticaria in Skin of Color

Dr. Alexis explains how hives can look different on darker skin. These differences can make a chronic urticaria diagnosis harder and delay treatment. She discusses why it’s important for doctors to be trained to recognize these differences so patients with skin of color can get the right care. 

Dr. Alexis also talks about the importance of having a good relationship with your doctor when managing a chronic health condition.

Key takeaways from our episode on diagnosing hives in skin of color

This episode provides tips for managing chronic hives in skin of color:

  • Importance of visual resources: Patients with hives in black skin find it hard to access images and resources that match their experience, making it harder for them to understand what is happening. 
  • Working with your doctor: Tips on what a good doctor patient relationship looks like and how to find one. 
  • Advocating for inclusive care: How a focus on shared decision-making can lead to better care for patients with chronic urticaria.

Podcast timestamps for diagnosing and treating chronic urticaria in skin of color

00:57 – Introduction of Dr. Ama Alexis

01:34 – What is Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)?

02:31 – Why focus on CSU in people with skin of color

03:25 – How hives look on darker skin tones

05:15 – Challenges finding photos of hives on darker skin

05:51 – Are doctors trained to see hives in all skin tones?

08:06 – Delays in diagnosing patients with skin of color

09:44 – Delays in starting treatments and the negative impact

10:43 – The cost of over-the-counter treatments

13:20 – Working with your doctor on a treatment plan

14:33 – The need for more research that includes patients with skin of color

16:39 – Advice for patients with providers who aren’t supportive

17:57 – How doctors can better support patients with skin of color

19:42 – Frustrations caused by delayed diagnosis

21:35 – Does having a doctor who looks like you help?

Additional resources for chronic urticaria

Chronic spontaneous urticaria podcast series