American Academy of Dermatology releases Chronic Hives Patient App

Patients who are struggling with chronic hives can turn to a new free tool for help. This month, the American Academy of Dermatology released its Chronic Hives Patient App, which offers tools and resources for chronic hives management.

The free mobile app, developed with a grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., can help patients learn more about their condition, find a doctor, track their symptoms and identify potential triggers. Users also can set reminders to keep track of their appointments and medications.

Chronic hives, also known as chronic urticaria, is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts lasting longer than six weeks. Hives are often triggered by an allergic reaction, and they may be associated with many other factors, including infection, sun exposure and stress.

For some patients, chronic hives can come and go for months or years. Only 35 percent of patients are symptom-free within a year, and nearly 40 percent of patients whose hives last for six months still experience symptoms after 10 years.

"Dermatologists treat patients with chronic hives, so we know how frustrating this condition can be," says board-certified dermatologist Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. "By launching an app designed specifically for these patients, we hope we can help them improve their quality of life."