Urticaria (Hives)
This series explores the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and lived experience of urticaria, also known as hives. From understanding chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) to addressing care disparities in skin of color, this course combines clinical knowledge with real-world stories to support patients, caregivers, and providers.
The Basics
Start here to understand what urticaria is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and what it’s like to live with this often misunderstood condition.
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Covers types of urticaria (acute, chronic, inducible), common triggers, diagnostic challenges, and the role of allergists.
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Explains what CSU is, why it occurs without a clear trigger, and what makes it different from other forms of hives.
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Details the process of diagnosing CSU and ruling out other conditions through history and exclusion.
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Reviews CSU treatment pathways, including antihistamines, omalizumab (Xolair), cyclosporine, and clinical tools like UAS7.
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A patient perspective on navigating CSU, mental health, and the importance of self-advocacy.
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Explores the most common CSU misconceptions, from blaming stress to restrictive diets, and how better awareness can lead to better management.
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Looks ahead at promising treatment options for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), including Dupilumab, Remibrutinib, and Barzolvolimab.
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Breaks down what biologic medications are, how they’re made, and why they’re transforming the treatment landscape for conditions like asthma, eczema, and chronic hives.
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Covers the landscape of biologic therapies for allergic conditions—what they are, how they work, and which conditions they’re approved for, including asthma, atopic dermatitis, nasal polyps, and more.
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Discusses the clinical blind spots that exist when diagnosing chronic urticaria in skin of color, from underreporting of symptoms to lack of imagery in medical training—and how this impacts patient outcomes.
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Shares a firsthand account of living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) as a patient with skin of color—highlighting the challenges of diagnosis, visibility of symptoms, and being heard in clinical settings.
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Highlights disparities in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) care within the Latinx population—exploring barriers to diagnosis, treatment access, and culturally competent care with Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo.
Health Insurance
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A breakdown of how to choose the right health insurance plan, including key terms to know, understanding coverage for allergy care, and tips for navigating open enrollment with confidence.
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A practical guide to navigating insurance denials, including why medications get rejected, how to file an appeal, and what to ask your doctor to strengthen your case.
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An overview of health insurance essentials for doctors, including how coverage decisions are made, tips for navigating claims, and why understanding insurance helps improve patient care.
Climate Change & Health
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Understand how climate change drives new health challenges, from increased pollen exposure to longer allergy seasons and rising respiratory risks.
