Guys: Try this. I’ve struggled with the symptoms of cholinergic urticaria since Christmas (over 6 months). A half year of my life spent dealing with this horrible condition. The last 3 days have been awesome. Not even a single shock or pin-prick sensation.
The difference?
I quit using antiperspirant. For me, the pain would always start as soon as I started to sweat. I have been running 1-3 miles a day and drinking lots of water in an effort to get my body to sweat more freely, but I would always have to push past the pins and needles to break a sweat. Once I broke through, the feeling would subside and I would feel great.
Go for a run in the early part of the day after you wake up (for those of you who can do so without severe reactions), do not apply deodorant, and see if it makes a difference for you. I think I have some sort of an allergy to the metals or fragrances in Old Spice deodorant.
If this bout of cholinergic urticaria is gone forever, I am going to be so unbelievably happy…this condition feels like you have been cursed, but you just have to keep going and figure out what your triggers are. Good luck to everyone, definitely try this suggestion and see if it works for you.
-B.B.
(Editors Note: Always talk to a doctor before ceasing or trying medication, diets, or exercise routines)
Anonymous says
Thanks. I don’t use antiperspirant so I know that isn’t going to help me. But this may help someone else.
Anonymous says
I am a firm believer that this condition is brought on by an allergy. i wish more people would focus on the cause rather than the symptoms. In my case it was Gluten. I quit eating gluten and 95% of my issues were resolved.
M. S. Uppal says
I have been a suffering from cholinergic urticaria symptoms, for the last 14 years.
Last summer I was suggested by one dermatologist to quit using all sorts of
perfumes, soaps and deodorants. I have done so & It has really helped me a lot. M. S. Uppal
BB says
Just to add a comment to this, since writing the post and stopping using the antiperspirant, I STILL have not experienced any of the symptoms I have come to know so well. It is awesome!!! I thought my “normal” life was over, but maybe this is finally the light at the end of the tunnel. The pin pricks are so uncomfortable and such a foreign feeling that you swear it is more than an allergy. I still am heavily classically conditioned to expect a shocking feeling any time I am exposed to a source of heat, but now nothing happens. It’s gonna take a while to get over the anxiety of expecting pain, but I am more than happy to trade! Good luck to all
itchyRR says
Thanks for the tip, I’m totally going to try this. I’ve been concerned about antiperspirants having aluminum in them, anyway.