#91 - A Patient's Experience with Chronic Urticaria and Skin of Color

Discover Meka's journey with chronic hives in skin of color—a powerful story of resilience, self-advocacy, and building the right support system to get the care she deserves.

Emmeka, or "Meka," joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to share her personal experience of living with chronic urticaria as a person with skin of color. Meka describes her journey from a lack of resources addressing hives on black skin to finding effective support and resources. She opens up about the long path to her diagnosis, the depth of her online research into chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), and the importance of finding knowledgeable, empathetic healthcare providers.

Meka’s optimism highlights how a proactive approach, a trusted care team, and a strong support network can make a difference in managing CSU.

What we cover in our episode about living with hives in black skin:

• Identifying Hives on Darker Skin: Meka shares the challenge of finding accurate images of hives on darker skin tones, which can complicate the first steps of recognizing your condition and create feelings of isolation.
• Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare: Meka provides strategies for effective self-advocacy during the diagnosis process, including tips for clear communication with healthcare providers.
• Building a Support Network: Meka emphasizes the value of connecting with others who share similar experiences, including support groups and online communities.
• Managing Symptoms & Minimizing Scars: Meka offers practical advice for managing CSU symptoms, reducing scarring, and strategies to avoid scratching.