I started having cholinergic urticaria outbreaks every day starting about a month ago. I was recently given 25mg of Doxepin every night and 10mg Zyrtec in the mornings.
I have also been suffering from round-the-clock chronic migraines over the past 5 years. For that, I’ve taken a host of different medications (nortryptiline being the only constant, which I am still taking 75mg a night). Two months ago (pre-hives) I was injected with Botox for my migraines. I have been on supplements (D3, B12, B2 and Magnesium) for 4-5 months or so. Notably, I stopped taking B12 and a couple weeks later my heat-induced cholinergic urticaria started.
Also important, I moved to Denver, CO (dry and hot climate) from Boston, MA (the exact opposite) and two weeks later I had my first outbreak.
Does any of this resonate with anyone? Did anyone move to a new place, go off or on a new med or supplement, etc… before their hives started?
It’s crazy having to now deal with chronic migraines and cholinergic urticaria (which has been even more debilitating), but I value anyone’s input or suggestions in how I might cope and effectively deal with this.
Thanks!
Josh
Marcia Hildreth McGrath says
So sorry for you dealing with both of these ailments. Meds don’t seem to do really great for most folks. What is your diet like? Migraines (and CU) seem to respond well to changes in the diet. I know one lady who quit wearing perfume and her migraines (of many years!) went away. Fragrances can cause all kinds of issues. Also, excitotoxins contribute greatly to migraines. Processed foods can also be a culprit.
I highly recommend the book offered on this website. And if it were me and I could manage it, I’d check into a facility called Eden Valley there in CO. Or Weimar Institute in N. California. They can help you change your diet and pinpoint the causative factors for your migraines, which may also help your CU.
My prayers all with all those who are suffering like you are!!
Josh says
My diet isn’t consistent. I’m working for AmeriCorps and on food stamps, so I don’t have the luxury to develop an expensive diet. However, it may also be cheaper to go on some sort of diet. What sort of doctor do you think I should see (knowing I have migraines and CU that may both be related to diet in some way)?
Perhaps a nutritionist?
Thanks for your input and insight.
Best,
Josh
Sanela Desnica says
Hi Josh, I don’t know if I can help you a lot but from my case I had extreme migraines since I was 16 ( I am 46) and I although I have been on a gluten free diet since I was 25, only last couple of years I took it very seriously and had no gluten at all and my headaches are gone. The same happened to my brother, he tried it too after it worked for me. Now I know that when I make my kids pizza on Friday, by Sunday evening I will get a headache. It even makes me laugh.
With urticaria I have been dealing for 25 years and it is just getting worse and I have lived in many countries so far.
kimmy says
Hello,
You are taking too many medicines. Perhaps try to find natural remedy.
My husband and I had moved to Caribbean island and 6 month ago my husband started having hives only his face area. I learned from this blog that someone at this blog said that it is because of water and suggested to install water softner. From that blog I got a clue…. I found out from local people having hives that they boil water and filter calcium residues. Apparently island water contains high calcium and also PH level is highest. So I learned from local people, I boiled water and cool it down and filter through coffee paper then last filter through BRITA filter in order to make shower water for my husband.I can see a lot of white residues. I only need 2 liters per day for him to wash head and face.
Also I learned from this blog that Argan oil could minimize drying out skin. So my husband using Argan oil after shower.
His skin is much better now. Not completely fixed but it looks normal..
Surprisingly when we are in different countries that has no problem with calcium, his skin goes back to normal. I do not need to use boiled& filtered water. But as soon as back to island, his hive coming back right next day. .
I strongly suggest you to check your water. . Are you in area where water contains high calcium ( limescale )?
Josh says
I just moved to Denver, CO (and two weeks after moving my hives begun). I will definitely look into the local water sources here. It seems to much of a coincidence that I moved to a hot, dry climate and around the same time I develop a condition I’ve never had before.
Thanks so much for your insight. I’ll also look into Argan oil.
Best,
Josh
Debby says
what about B3? (Niacin or Niacinamide) I have this problem too. Started last June – out of the blue. Niacin will cause flushing and itching skin. It could be water, but people from all over the country have posted issues, some have well water. I think it is a preservative or MSG type additive. I am about to try a Paleo diet – which seems to be the only thing that helps. And, this also points to a food additive. But, I doubt I can stick to a Paleo diet very long.
Josh says
I’ve never taken B3 before. My hives started after moving to a drastically different climate and geographic location. I’m now starting to think that my hives could be related to something unique in Denver (maybe the water, some local species, etc…).
Thoughts on that?
Stephanie Minneti says
Try looking into salicylate intolerance. I have had this my entire life. I have had dermatographia Urticaria and or AutoImmune hives for 10 years. It is mostly managed on hydroxyzine and desloratadine but if I do not keep the salicylate levels low (found in food, additives, body care products, scented products, etc…) or if I do not get enough sleep…I have breakthrough hives/itchiness/edema that day.
http://www.salicylatesensitivity.com
Josh says
Hi Stephanie,
How were you diagnosed with salicylate intolerance? I may ask my doctor about it.
Thanks,
Josh
Joyce Luck/Arritt says
My sevier itching started 15 years ago. The only thing I could originally narrow it down to was eating fresh baked bread.
Now I think it is more anxiety. Although sometimes I wake up scratching myself almost raw.
Benadryl helps so I started taking a half a benadryl morning and nite but I have quite because I think it has made my mouth show symptons of being dehydrated. Stopped taking benadryl now back to almost like hot spots that just start to severely itch and feel like needles pricking .I have had blood work and will get the results soon. We think I may have an autoimmune disorder. My heart is enlarged, but after lots of tests my heart is healthy. Some hidden inflammation is causing enlarged heart.
Sanela Desnica says
hi, you should seriously look into gluten free diet.