Vicki Lawrence was diagnosed with a chronic skin condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU), a type of chronic hives.
CIU is characterized by the sudden appearance of itchy red welts or hives on the skin, often without an identifiable cause.
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Vicki Lawrence first started experiencing symptoms of CIU in the 1990s, though it took several years for her to receive a proper diagnosis.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop CIU, and most patients are between the ages of 20 and 40 when the condition first appears.
The exact cause of CIU is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.
In addition to visible hives, CIU can also cause symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal issues in some patients.
Vicki Lawrence has described the condition as "very frustrating" and feeling like a "prisoner in your own skin" due to the unpredictable nature of the hives.
There is no cure for CIU, but treatments focus on managing symptoms with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or biologic medications that target the immune system.
Vicki Lawrence credits her husband, Al Schultz, as being a "strong support system" during her ongoing battles with chronic hives.
In addition to CIU, Vicki Lawrence also contracted COVID-19 in January 2022, which exacerbated her existing health issues for a time.
Despite her medical challenges, Vicki Lawrence has remained active in her career, using her platform to raise awareness about chronic hives and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers estimate that up to 15 million Americans may suffer from chronic hives like the type Vicki Lawrence experiences, making it a relatively common yet often misunderstood condition.