Annual Direct and Indirect Health Care Costs of Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

Abstract

Chronic urticaria, defined as urticaria that is present longer than 6 weeks, is estimated to occur in 0.1% of the population.¹ Approximately 60% of chronic urticaria is termed ordinary and is not of physical or vasculitic origin. Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) accounts for approximately two-thirds of ordinary urticarias.² The diagnosis of CIU is supported clinically (and most importantly) by a thorough patient history because extensive diagnostic testing often does not reveal a cause.³