Fifty Years of ‘Allergies’ That Weren’t: Christi’s Chronic Hives Journey
By: Christi Munson All photos were provided by the author My name is Christi Munson. I was only four years old when my own body first turned against me. It was winter of 1973. I was playing out in the snow, doing what kids do, when everything went wrong. Suddenly, my skin felt like it was on fire. I started […]
Mental Health and Chronic Hives: Coping Tips That Help
Living with chronic hives, also called chronic urticaria, means managing more than just the physical symptoms of itching, swelling, and discomfort. For many people, the emotional toll can be just as challenging. You’re not imagining the stress, anxiety, or frustration that comes with this condition. It’s real, and it matters. This article explores the connection […]
Triggers vs. Patterns: Heat, Pressure, Exercise, and Cold
If you live with chronic hives (chronic urticaria), you may already know that the itching, welts, or swelling often show up without warning. But sometimes, you might notice hives appearing after a hot shower, a brisk walk, or even sitting in tight clothing. Is it a trigger? A coincidence? Or a pattern you can learn […]
Meet We CU Director of Communications and Engagement Ariam Alula
Ariam Alula A public school kid from the Bronx and Manhattan who has traveled to 25+ cities around the world, Ariam brings journalism skills, a history of advocating for her sibling, and a deep understanding of why language is important, especially when navigating healthcare. Learn what she brings to We CU, what one moment in a […]
Meet Scratch, We CU’s AI chat tool for your chronic urticaria questions
Earlier this year We CU launched Scratch, your AI-companion chatbot designed to answer your most frequently asked questions about urticaria (hives). As the only U.S.- based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and improving the lives of people living with chronic urticaria (CU), we wanted to create a fast, reliable, and accurate chatbot that will […]
Lauren’s Chronic Hives Story
Lauren’s first update, Winter 2025 My hives began in November 2024, during a particularly stressful period in school. At first, they were scarce—just a few on my legs. I remember thinking it was strange but not alarming. Within days, they worsened rapidly, spreading across my back and legs. An urgent care visit led to a […]
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 […]
Meet We CU Board Member Karen Rance
Karen Rance, DNP, CPNP, recently joined the Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform (GAAPP) as Chief Medical Officer. She brings to her board role at We CU expertise garnered throughout her career in medical affairs, as well as more than two decades of experience in the allergy field. Learn what fuels Karen’s passion for ensuring […]
Learn More About We CU
We CU means we see you We CU was founded 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. The organization aims to bring together patients, caregivers, health care […]