So this itching problem started 3 years ago for me. It happens during the summer and lasts about 2-3 months. It resurfaces about every 3 years. I don’t know if what I have is cholinergic urticaria, but it sounds like it. Basically my skin feels prickly and itchy whenever I’m out in sunlight, when I’m stressed, body temperature goes up, etc. As I’ve said this only lasts about 2-3 months during the summer.
It definitely is annoying, and I’ve read that the most suggested cure is antihistamines. I’ve tried Claritin and Zyrtec in the past. They would help a little bit, but I would still feel the itch throughout the day. Lately I’ve been trying Benadryl, and I must say it does seem to be working. The trick is I need to be taking it often in order to get daily relief. For example when I started taking Benadryl, I would take 25-50mg in the morning and that’s it. This is not enough. The max daily dose of Benadryl a person can take is 300mg. So I started taking more, about 50mg every 4-6 hours as needed.
I’ve noticed that my body would get excessively itchy shortly after I would take the Benadryl, and then the itch would subside after that. I think the Benadryl is having an effect. The itch definitely seems more controlled compared to me not taking the pills
For anyone who wants to try this, I recommend talking to your doctor about taking 50mg every 6 hours. Do not take more than 50mg at once. You can also do every 4 hours which would equal 300mg for the whole day (max daily dose), if your doctor approves of this dosage.
Benadryl can make you drowsy, so be aware of that. If you feel uncoordinated I wouldn’t drive or operate machinery/devices.
I would talk to your doctor about trying the Benadryl for about a week and see how it works for you. You may only need to use it for a few months until your itch is gone if your case is like mine. My itch is seasonal and happens every few years so the Benadryl can help you get through those periods of time
My case is different in that I don’t get any rashes or visible hives on my skin. My skin looks fine, but I feel that annoying and painful itch which is the problem
Good luck all,
CU User
Billy Makuwe says
CU user, I have the same symptoms as you because I not have any visible rashes. When the CU breaks my skin is clear and has no rushes or bumps except that I will be itching terribly. This is a truly terrible condition that stops you in your tracks. I usually suffer in winter when I come from the cold into a warm room. Today I thought I was going to pass out with the pain when I decided to walk to the post office, It was cold outside but as soon I got into the warm post office, I was hit by a blanket of warm air and CU attack was so intense that I wanted to scream. I rushed back home and got into the hottest shower. A hot shower always help me to sweat and when I sweat it dissipates. However when you go into a hot shower or bath the itching can be intense but the warm water opens up your pores and you start sweating. My advice to fellow sufferers is that always take a very hot shower or bath first thing in the morning to open up your pores and until you feel that you are sweating. Sweating really helps. If the attack happens while you are out there, drink very cold water as it helps to lower your body temperature. If you are wearing a warm jacket or coat, remove it to reduce your bod temperature. Cetirizine helps too.