My first outbreak:
It’s been around 3-4 weeks since I had my first disgusting stinging sensation (severe itch all over my body) while I was having my food in the university canteen. It was insane and I had to throw off the jacket I was wearing, as it was my first attack I had no idea what was happening to me! And I scratched and scratched. I could see some red patches all over my arms, forearms, and it lasted for about 3-4 minutes and was gone.
Initially I thought it’s because of the dry skin (from the hot showers and cheap shower gel I used -it is winter!), so I bought a more creamier shower bath and usage of moisturizers. IT DID NOT HELP!
And then I started reading about this condition on the internet and finally came to know about cholinergic urticaria, though I have not yet consulted a doctor (maybe I should), but I think it is cholinergic urticaria because the symptoms are similar.
I have not had alcohol since then (I started to like the taste of German beer :P), and try to go sweat out (I’m a bit lazy)- jog or do some strenuous exercise indoor to sweat out, until the point I get the sweat flowing. I have the baddest itch all over my body when my core body temp rises( hands, legs, head, scalp, thighs) and yeah, sweating does help (I think!) as my experience tells- you won’t have frequent attacks in next 24 hours (unless I am again put on the spot/stress!) if you sweat out once in morning.
And I try to keep more calm now (I am a bit short tempered 😛 and try to be in shape by doing few small exercises- pushups etc)
I do have the CU attacks every now and then (when I am not calm/put under stress/core temperature of body rises) and can see small red bumps (size of small blisters) and the severe itch around them, just had one and decided to write about it since they just won’t go away!
My medical History: I do have a bad skin condition history- Very dry skin, Eczema (still have a tiny bit on my left hand- and for that I use Imograf Forte gel/ointment), had a fungal infection around 1 year back (on my back) which was treated properly and never came back again-touchwood 😛
I am beginning to assume that it is my skin due to which I caught this urticaria problem ! (untill I do some more analysis and get the results!)
I read somewhere that the CU (sometimes) goes away after 6 weeks or so…I am writing ’cause I really want to get rid of this thing and would like to know all your suggestions/comments?
I am really trying to get my head around this and try to be more calm, in order to avoid the next outbreak, and this get’s worse when I am around someone I want to talk to (I am a 28 year old regular guy :D) ’cause it is just not possible to try to explain it to the other person until you have passed that itchy-scratchy-red phase, and the moment is lost!!
Do let me know if you want to know more about my condition as I want to learn more and more about it and get this off of my body!
Also, I had one more question: what kind of disease can the cholinergic urticaria be categorised into?
Do let me know your suggestions/comments!
Regards,
Shashank
Hivesguy says
Thanks for taking the time to share your story, Shashank. There’s a lot of information about this condition on this site, and I’ve also created some vidoes covering some common treatments, what worked for me, etc.
There is no set time for when this disorder can go away. For some people, it randomly goes away. For others, it can last decades. This is a type of physical urticaria (the disease classification). Hang in there! Hopefully you’ll learn better ways to treat it soon.
Shashank Singh says
Thanks a lot for the reply and maintaining this great website !
I have observed one more thing- where if I am under some kind of mental stress (say if I am feeling homesick) I get the stinging feeling and can actually see few small red bumps now (on the back of my arms- where your triceps built are !) and it is too itchy now (it’s like someone is literally pinching you with a sting and I go insane as I get too many stings on different parts of my body !)
I had the outbreak several times today, every time I had some frustrating/stressfull thoughts.
Physical urticaria, you say !
Would visting a dermatologist be a better option or a general physician could also diagnose the problem?
Regards,
Shashank
Hivesguy says
You’re welcome! Yes, cholinergic urticaria can be an insane kind of itch. A dermatologist or allergist will likely be the doctor most familiar with this condition. A general doctor may be helpful in prescribing basic antihistamines or providing a referral, but many aren’t familiar with this condition.
Shashank Singh says
I thought my hives were getting cured after almost 1.5 months I had my first breakout, but today (while having my lunch) I had the attack and the red spots (bumps) on skin appeared, few on my neck. I was terrified as it is the first time I saw these red bumps (and itchy). I am a bit scared as I have my University Exams next month 😛 and will continue taking Cetirizin (anti-histamine) as prescribed by my doctor- I consulted a Dermatologist 4 days back, and because at that time I had no visual symptoms she took my blood sample for tests and now today I saw those red bumps, they were there for 2-3 minutes and went away.
Dude With Itching says
Are you from India cause i have the same problem and i’m from India and your name seems to be Indian (mine just started too)
Shashank Singh says
Yep, and staying in Germany. Mine started in November, and today I am taking the Levocetirizine to suppress them and it has not dissapointed me. Though I am still looking for the permanent cure !! And do exercise (cardio to sweat out- atleast twice a week), it helps !