The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) released its Chronic Hives Patient App, which offers tools and resources for chronic hives management. The free mobile app, developed with a grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., can help patients learn more about their condition, find a doctor, track their symptoms, and identify potential triggers. Users also can set reminders to keep track of their appointments and medications.

For some patients, chronic hives can come and go for months or years. Only 35 percent of patients are symptom-free within a year, and nearly 40 percent of patients whose hives last for six months still experience symptoms after 10 years, according to the AAD.

“Dermatologists treat patients with chronic hives, so we know how frustrating this condition can be,” says Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. “By launching an app designed specifically for these patients, we hope we can help them improve their quality of life.”

The Academy’s Chronic Hives Patient App is available for iOS and Android devices. To learn more, visit www.aad.org/CUapp.

—Stefanie Tuleya