Need for Urticaria Guidelines in Nepal: Addressing Growing Burden of Urticaria

Abstract

Urticaria is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition significantly impacting patients' quality of life, with chronic urticaria affecting approximately 1% of the global population and 2.4% in Nepal. Despite its growing prevalence, management of urticaria in Nepal remains inconsistent due to the lack of standardized guidelines. Developing national urticaria guidelines is crucial to standardizing care, improving patient outcomes, optimizing resources, and fostering research. This process involves reviewing global best practices, adapting them to Nepal’s unique healthcare context, assessing current practices, and building expert consensus. The guidelines aim to enhance diagnosis and treatment, empower patients and clinicians, and address disparities in care. Their implementation, supported by pilot testing, training, and continual updates, will ensure timely, effective, and equitable care, ultimately reducing the burden of urticaria and improving dermatological health in Nepal.