Chronic spontaneous urticaria: a condition that is rarely seen but has a significant impact and is very costly

This year’s theme is ‘Take back control’. From confusion to understanding. Because those living with the condition often struggle to make themselves understood

by Ernesto Diffidenti

1 October 2026

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2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

World Urticaria Day is an annual event held on 1 October, dedicated to raising awareness of a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but which is often misunderstood.

This year’s theme is ‘Take back control’. From the itch to understanding. Because those living with chronic urticaria often feel at the mercy of their condition: flare-ups strike without warning, the itching dictates how the night will unfold, and explaining this to those who haven’t experienced it – sometimes even to specialists – is the most exhausting part. Taking back control starts right there: with being able to make yourself understood.

Symptoms of the condition

Intense itching, painful swelling and unpredictable skin rashes that can appear anywhere on the body are the most well-known symptoms and a daily reality for many people suffering from chronic urticaria, an often debilitating skin condition characterised by wheals and frequently accompanied by angioedema (painful swelling). In addition to the visible symptoms, urticaria has a profound impact on quality of life, affecting sleep, work, social activities and emotional wellbeing.

“Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a condition that is rarely seen, but has a significant impact,” explains Elena Radaelli, president of the Arco Association for Urticaria Research and Treatment. “The itching, which is often more intense at night, disrupts sleep. The resulting fatigue affects work, study and personal relationships. Added to this is the unpredictability of the symptoms, which makes it difficult to plan one’s life.”

The profit and loss account

A burden that also has a specific economic cost. An Italian study published in 2026 in *Global & Regional Health Technology Assessment*, to which ARCO contributed, Radaelli adds, “estimates average indirect costs of around 4,200 euros per year per patient, rising to 5,200 euros in the most severe cases”. These costs stem primarily from lost working days and reduced productivity. “Patients,” emphasises ARCO’s president, “also pay around 500 euros a year out of their own pockets for consultations, tests and medicines.”

World Urticaria Day therefore aims to raise awareness of urticaria and its significant impact, to promote early and accurate diagnosis, ensuring that patients have access to treatment as soon as possible, and to ensure equitable access to effective treatments and management for all, regardless of their geographical location.

The figures on urticaria

Urticaria, although it is rarely in the spotlight, can affect up to 20 per cent of the population at some point in their lives. This statistic highlights the urgent need for greater understanding and action. That is why, on this World Urticaria Day, the Global Platform for Allergy and Airway Patients (GAAPP) – of which the Arco association is a member – has joined forces with the Global European Network for Allergies and Asthma (Galen) to amplify this call to action.

“In Italia, around 1 per cent of the population lives with moderate to severe forms of the condition,” concludes Radaelli. “These are mainly women aged between 20 and 50, at the height of their working and family lives. That is why we are calling for more prompt diagnoses, equal access to specialist centres throughout the country and full recognition of the social impact of the condition.”

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Focus: Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria