A message from the We CU team

We CU was created in response to the need for a U.S. patient advocacy organization focused solely on chronic urticaria (CU). Launched in February 2025, We CU now serves all in the U.S. affected by CU and their families. Check out below what we’ve accomplished in these few short months.

And this is just the beginning. We wish you all a joyous holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2026 as we continue our work together!

The We CU team

Newly diagnosed with chronic urticaria?

What to do next

Being newly diagnosed with chronic urticaria (CU) can feel confusing and overwhelming. You may have questions about why the hives keep returning, what’s causing the itching, or how long symptoms might last. Many people share these same concerns. Chronic urticaria, also called chronic hives, affects an estimated 1% of the population and can impair daily life, sleep, and emotional well-being.

The good news is that chronic urticaria is manageable. With the correct information, support, and treatment plan, many people see significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.

Our new guide walks you through what to do next, step by step.

Access the guide

Test your knowledge

Urticaria word search

While we use simple words like hives and swelling in talking amongst ourselves, you may see more complex terms when reading about chronic urticaria (CU) or hear different words in discussions with your health care providers. Search for the words below. You’ll find the answer key at the bottom of the newsletter.

ANGIOEDEMA – Medical term for the swelling that is seen with hives.

AUTOIMMUNE – People with some types of these diseases are more susceptible to chronic urticaria.

BLANCHES – Turns white or pale when pressing on the center of the hive.

CHRONIC – Hives lasting for more than six weeks.

IDIOPATHIC – Occurs for no known reason and comes on suddenly. When it comes to hives, idiopathic means the same thing as spontaneous.

MAST – Type of cells that, when activated, cause hives.

TRIGGER – Something that causes a reaction leading to urticaria.

URTICARIA – Medical name for hives.

WE CU – The name of the only U.S. nonprofit devoted to people with chronic urticaria.

WHEALS – Raised, itchy welts or bumps on the skin.

Good news in the search for new urticaria treatments!

Earlier this fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new pill for adults with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) whose symptoms are not well controlled with regular antihistamines.

It is a BTKi inhibitor taken once a day. BTKi inhibitors work by blocking a signal in the body that leads to the release of histamine and other substances that cause hives and swelling. By stopping this signal, the medicine can help reduce symptoms for people who still struggle despite antihistamines.

For more information, consult your health care professional or access the medication website.

Missed our webinar discussing unmet needs in urticaria?

Check out the video

In honor of Urticaria Day 2025, We CU hosted a webinar focusing on this year’s theme of "Unmet Needs in Urticaria." As an organization committed to awareness, education, advocacy, and research in the urticaria community, We CU believes that addressing these unmet needs is crucial to improving quality of life.

In this conversation, we delve into the everyday challenges people living with CU still face and how We CU is working to support our community.

Watch now

Urticaria-related organizations partner to better the future for everyone affected by CU

On World Urticaria Day 2025, We CU announced a partnership with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and The Mast Cell Disease Society (TMS) to raise awareness of urticaria and provide information on managing this skin condition.

The partnership among the three organizations reflects the overlap among patient populations. Many individuals living with urticaria also manage asthma, allergies, mast cell disease, or other immune-related conditions. Through education, advocacy, research, and awareness activities, AAFA, We CU, and TMS are committed to advancing the conversation on urticaria and improving the lives of those affected.

Learn more

Join us!

We’re looking for patients and caregivers who would like to sign up for our We CU Hive — our community! If you are interested in sharing your story through serving on a patient council, recording a video, speaking on a webinar, or in another way, send us a note indicating your interest! Both paid and volunteer opportunities will be available.

Do you know someone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter? Share it and invite them to join the We CU community.

A message from the We CU team

Test your knowledge

Join us!

Urticaria word search answer key