Hi,
I’m Alessandro and I’m from Italy. I apologize for my English first.
I think I have had cholinergic urticaria since about 6 months ago–so many pins that sting me everywhere that I can not stand it. Only cold can calm down this sensation.
At beginning, it started from the scalp, then went to all over the body as often. It also happened at night while sleeping–it awakened me! Luckily, these two are less frequent.
I cannot force myself too much, stay under the sun, or get excited. It happens with the raising of body temperature. The sensations and skin reactions usually last a couple of minutes.
The problem is that it all started when I returned from Albania, but even when I was there. At the ferry when I was sleeping in the cabin , I awakened with a feeling of warmth (without alarming myself). Then, after a few days, I was there in a bar with the sun beating down, and I had flushed skin on my face and body while returning to Italy on the ferry.
I did a blood test after a few weeks of returning, and the results were excellent. Then I visited a dermatologist, and I discovered I had an allergy to dust mites. I have been prescribed Zyrtec, which after a month that I took, did not see any improvement when I went to the gym. The Zyrtec only gave me sleepiness.
I’ve also tried others but no positive effects. I noticed that this feeling of pins and itching happens to me even during sexual intimacy (I think it’s related due to excitement). I’ve also had a problem of constipation for the past 1-2 months.
My reactions are as follows: red flushed skin, a few pin point hives (ONLY on arms).
Is it possible I’ve contracted this from some bacteria or virus in Albania? I did have a parasites feces test and it was negative. Or is it something related to food intolerance?
Let me know you think.
Thank you,
Alessandro
Hivesguy says
Hello, Alessandro.
Your symptoms did seem to sound a lot like cholinergic urticarial, in my opinion. Of course, a knowledgeable doctor should confirm the diagnosis.
It’s hard to say whether the trip could have triggered it, but some people have reported their hives to have an onset around the time of vacationing. We still don’t know a whole lot about why it develops in the first place.
Food allergies/sensitivities were certainly the biggest factor in my own case, so it’s possible it could be true in yours. The only way to find out is to do elimination diets (under the approval of your doctor, of course).
I know it is very frustrating dealing with this, but hang in there. You may want to keep trying other antihistamines if the Zyrtec isn’t helping. Perhaps Allegra or Doxepin.
God bless,
Hivesguy