An awareness & peer-support platform — not a medical or emergency service.
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A patient-first community for everyone affected by Chronic Urticaria

CSU – Chronic Urticaria Support Group is a non-commercial platform that brings together patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and advocates to improve awareness, understanding and support — in India and worldwide.

Community gathering

Who We Are

A group of patients, caregivers, volunteers and medical advisors who know first-hand how isolating chronic hives can feel — and who believe no one should navigate it alone.

Our Mission

To make reliable CSU information easy to find and understand, help patients prepare for better conversations with their doctors, and connect people to a safe, supportive community.

Our Vision

A world where every person with chronic urticaria is recognised, understood and supported — and where timely diagnosis and good care are the norm, not the exception.

Why CSU awareness matters

An invisible condition with a very visible impact

Chronic urticaria is often misunderstood as an allergy or a "skin problem". Many people visit several doctors before getting a clear diagnosis, while itch, swelling and sleepless nights affect work, studies and relationships.

6+ weeksSymptoms last at least this long
2–5 yrsTypical duration for many people
~2×More common in women than men

Summarised from international urticaria guidelines (EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI). To be confirmed by our medical advisory panel before launch.

Under-recognised

Often mistaken for food allergy or a temporary rash.

Sleep & wellbeing

Night-time itch leads to fatigue, low mood and stress.

Work & study

Unpredictable flares disrupt routines and confidence.

Stigma & isolation

Visible hives and swelling can make people withdraw.

Our approach

How we work — patient-centred, evidence-informed, inclusive

Educate

Clear, medically reviewed information in simple English and Hindi, including a free Doctor Discussion Guide.

Support

Practical guides, moderated peer circles on WhatsApp and Facebook, and caregiver resources.

Advocate

Bringing the patient voice to healthcare, government and policy forums on unmet needs in CSU care.

Collaborate

Working with clinicians, hospitals, dermatology societies and patient organisations — including CSU Care Kiosks in clinics.

Patient-Centred Support

Built with patients, not just for them

Our content is co-created with people living with CSU. A Patient Advisory Group reviews every guide for clarity, tone and real-world usefulness.

Plain-language reviewBilingual contentLived-experience panelAccessibility first
Healthcare Professional Engagement

Guided by a medical advisory panel

Dermatologists, allergists and immunologists review our educational content and join webinars — helping bridge the gap between clinic and community.

Work with us as a clinician
Advocacy & policy

Bringing the patient voice to the table

We take part in healthcare professional meetings, government consultations and policy forums to raise the unmet needs of people with CSU — faster diagnosis, access to specialist care, and recognition of the condition's impact on daily life.

  • Patient perspectives at dermatology and allergy conferences
  • Input to public-health and policy consultations on chronic skin disease
  • World Urticaria Day (1 October) awareness campaigns across India
  • Patient-friendly summaries of new research and guidelines
Invite us to speak
Rooted in India

Focused on Indian patients — language, access and affordability

We publish in English and Hindi, with more Indian languages planned, and run in-person meet-ups in Indian cities alongside online circles anyone can join. We also learn from patient organisations across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Visit the India Hub
Patient community

A safe space to share and learn

Moderated peer circles, story sharing and caregiver groups — always with clear guidance that community is for support, not medical advice.

Join the community

Partners & Collaborations

We collaborate with hospitals, medical societies and patient organisations. We do not endorse products, and we do not accept funding that influences our content.

Hospital partner
Medical society
Patient organisation
FAQs

About our organisation

Is CSU a medical service?

No. We are an awareness and peer-support platform. We share educational information and help you prepare for conversations with your doctor, but we do not diagnose, treat or prescribe.

Is the platform free to use?

Yes. All guides, events and community groups are free. You never need to pay to download a resource or join a circle.

Who reviews your content?

Every guide is reviewed by our medical advisory panel of dermatologists, allergists and immunologists, and by our Patient Advisory Group for clarity. Each page shows when it was last reviewed.

Do you work with pharmaceutical companies?

Our awareness programmes are supported by unrestricted educational grants from healthcare organisations. Funders have no say over what we publish: all content is written independently and reviewed by our medical advisory panel. We never promote or recommend specific medicines or brands, and we never share your personal details with funders.

How can I volunteer or partner with you?

We welcome volunteers, hospitals, clinics and patient groups. Contact us or, if you are a doctor, see our programme for healthcare professionals.

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