Help with chronic hives: A new app and North America鈥檚 first patient registry
Tuesday, Oct. 1 is , raising awareness of a condition more commonly known as hives.
This year, Canadians living with chronic hives have two new resources, developed in part by a 91社区 researcher: North America鈥檚 first chronic urticaria patient registry and a new app for patient care.
, Assistant Professor in 91社区鈥檚 Department of Medicine, can share her insights on hives, including details of two initiatives in which she is involved:
- : Launched in Canada this October, the app allows patients to report symptoms and treatment responses to their doctors in real time, helping personalize care and track treatment success.
- : The first patient registry for chronic urticaria in North America launched in Hamilton in 2023 and is currently in review聽at 91社区. CURE collects valuable data from patients, helping researchers better understand the condition, evaluate treatments, and improve care.
鈥淐hronic urticaria isn鈥檛 just about itchy skin 鈥� it can cause severe swelling, disrupt sleep, and have an impact on mental health. Unpredictable flare-ups often lead to social isolation, missed work, and emergency hospital visits. The condition affects about 65 million people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, chronic urticaria is often underdiagnosed, delaying the care that could improve patients' lives,鈥� said Dr. Netchiporouk.
Dr. Netchiporouk is an Assistant Professor in the Divisions of Dermatology and Experimental Medicine at 91社区, a dermatologist at the 91社区 Health Centre, a Junior Scientist at the Research Institute of the 91社区 Health Centre, Founder and Director of , and Regional Director (Quebec) for the Canadian Dermatology Association.
Dr. Netchiporouk can connect media with urticaria patients who can share their personal experiences with the condition and how new resources are making a difference.
elena.netchiporouk [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)
