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Living with Schnitzler syndrome

A rare condition of body-wide inflammation with hives, repeated fevers, and joint and bone pain, starting in adulthood.

Understanding Schnitzler syndrome

Schnitzler syndrome is a rare autoinflammatory condition, meaning the immune system causes inflammation without an infection.

Signs vary but may include hives (urticaria), repeated fevers, joint pain and inflammation, enlarged organs, and blood differences. It starts in adulthood. GARD says the exact cause is unknown and most cases happen with no family history.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Hives (urticaria)
  • Fever
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Bone pain
  • Enlarged liver and spleen
  • Anemia and tiredness

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with The International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What tests confirmed this diagnosis?
What treatments might help with fevers, hives, and pain?
How often should blood tests be done?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD says the exact cause is unknown. Most cases occur with no family history.

Also known as: chronic urticaria with gammopathy; chronic urticaria with macroglobulinemia

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Schnitzler syndromeGARD ID 12390 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Schnitzler syndrome.

Explore the Schnitzler syndrome blog

Explore research for Schnitzler syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Schnitzler syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Schnitzler syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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