Assessment of severity and quality of life in chronic urticaria.

ABSTRACT

Chronic urticaria (CU) is very prevalent in the general population and, despite its low mortality, can have devastating effects on the quality of life (QoL) of those who experience it.Therefore, consensus documents on its classification, diagnosis, and treatment have become a necessity. The intensity of urticaria is currently evaluated using indices such as the Urticaria Activity Score and visual analog scales to assess itch or the degree of itch associated with the use of antihistamines. QoL is evaluated using various generic questionnaires and specific tools for skin disease and for CU. In recent years, attempts have been made to combine these evaluations to create a specific tool that would enable us to simultaneously evaluate the severity of the condition and the impact of symptoms on QoL. One such tool is the Urticaria Severity Score, which also allows us to compare global changes brought about by different treatments.