Urticaria Voices: Perspectives of Dermatologists and Allergists Regarding Chronic Urticaria Care and Its Treatment in China
8 affiliations
- 1Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
- 2Beijing Health Alliance Charitable Foundation, Beijing, China
- 3Novartis Ireland Ltd, Dublin, Ireland
- 4Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
- 5Ipsos SA, Basel, Switzerland
- 6Beijing Novartis Pharma Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
- 7Novartis Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, India
- 8Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic urticaria (CU) causes recurrent itchy wheals (hives), angioedema, or both for > 6 weeks, classified as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) or chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) based on identifiable trigger presence. China ranks second globally in disability-adjusted life years for urticaria, calling for tailored interventions. This study investigated perceptions of Chinese dermatologists and allergists regarding the disease burden and management in patients with CU.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (40 min) was conducted among 265 specialists (81% dermatologists, 19% allergists) across China. Eligible physicians had autonomous prescribing authority for all CU treatments including biologics, and active CSU/CIndU caseloads. Participants recalled patient characteristics, burden across life domains, and treatment patterns.
Results: Physicians reported that patients consulted a mean of four specialists before diagnosis. At initial assessment, 25% presented with severe/very severe symptoms. Currently, 19% of patients with CSU and 18% with CIndU have inadequately controlled disease (urticaria control test [UCT] < 12). Among these patients, physicians reported substantial burden: 7/10 for mental/emotional and financial domains and 6/10 for social relationships (10 = extreme negative impact). Overall, 61% were assessed as moderately impaired in achieving full life potential. Sleep disturbances affected 44% of all patients with CU. While 93% of physicians prioritize complete symptom control, they believe this is achievable in 59% of patients. Physicians attempt a mean of three antihistamine switches before biologic escalation.
Conclusions: Despite recalling ~20% inadequate disease control rates, physicians recognize substantial burden with most patients impaired in achieving life potential. The gap between treatment goals and perceived achievability, combined with diagnostic delays and conservative escalation patterns, highlights opportunities for comprehensive CU management in China.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-026-01938-0.
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BibTeX
@article{zhao2026urticaria,
title = {{Urticaria Voices: Perspectives of Dermatologists and Allergists Regarding Chronic Urticaria Care and Its Treatment in China}},
author = {Zuotao Zhao and Yi Li and Tara Raftery and Nadine Chapman-Rothe and Cristina Constantinescu and Shuang Hao and Ruixin Tan and Pallavi Saraswat and Bin Yang},
journal = {Dermatology and Therapy},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1007/s13555-026-01938-0},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-026-01938-0},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Urticaria Voices: Perspectives of Dermatologists and Allergists Regarding Chronic Urticaria Care and Its Treatment in China
AU - Zuotao Zhao
AU - Yi Li
AU - Tara Raftery
AU - Nadine Chapman-Rothe
AU - Cristina Constantinescu
AU - Shuang Hao
AU - Ruixin Tan
AU - Pallavi Saraswat
AU - Bin Yang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/06
JO - Dermatology and Therapy
DO - 10.1007/s13555-026-01938-0
UR - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-026-01938-0
AB - Introduction: Chronic urticaria (CU) causes recurrent itchy wheals (hives), angioedema, or both for > 6 weeks, classified as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) or chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) based on identifiable trigger presence. China ranks second globally in disability-adjusted life years for urticaria, calling for tailored interventions. This study investigated perceptions of Chinese dermatologists and allergists regarding the disease burden and management in patients with CU. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (40 min) was conducted among 265 specialists (81% dermatologists, 19% allergists) across China. Eligible physicians had autonomous prescribing authority for all CU treatments including biologics, and active CSU/CIndU caseloads. Participants recalled patient characteristics, burden across life domains, and treatment patterns. Results: Physicians reported that patients consulted a mean of four specialists before diagnosis. At initial assessment, 25% presented with severe/very severe symptoms. Currently, 19% of patients with CSU and 18% with CIndU have inadequately controlled disease (urticaria control test [UCT] < 12). Among these patients, physicians reported substantial burden: 7/10 for mental/emotional and financial domains and 6/10 for social relationships (10 = extreme negative impact). Overall, 61% were assessed as moderately impaired in achieving full life potential. Sleep disturbances affected 44% of all patients with CU. While 93% of physicians prioritize complete symptom control, they believe this is achievable in 59% of patients. Physicians attempt a mean of three antihistamine switches before biologic escalation. Conclusions: Despite recalling ~20% inadequate disease control rates, physicians recognize substantial burden with most patients impaired in achieving life potential. The gap between treatment goals and perceived achievability, combined with diagnostic delays and conservative escalation patterns, highlights opportunities for comprehensive CU management in China. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-026-01938-0.
SN - 2193-8210
SN - 2190-9172
SN - 1476-5829
ER -