I’m a 19 year old female, I’ve been experiencing hives and itchiness when I work out. I recently purchased and read the e-book on this website, and was struck by what it said – “The main distinguishing characteristic of this disorder is that people suffering with it experience symptoms when exposed to an active physical stimulus (exercise or active physical exertion), whereas people suffering with cholinergic urticaria can experience symptoms with active or passive heating.”
I ONLY get hives with physical exertion, not with any passive heating. Does this mean I don’t have cholinergic urticaria? If I have exercise-induced anaphylaxis, should I try the same treatments offered in the book (allergy elimination)?
-Mateeah
Hivesguy says
Hello, Mateeah. Thanks for your question and support.
If you don’t experience any reactions whatsoever unless you are doing some type of active heating, it is a possibility that you have exercised-induced urticaria/anaphylaxis, not cholinergic urticaria. However, an allergist or dermatologist familiar with both conditions would be able to give you a definite diagnosis.
Regarding the diet aspect, if you research on the web, you’ll find that exercised-induced anaphylaxis/urticaria has been tied to many food allergies, especially wheat and dairy, but other foods also.
I think that anyone with any type of serious hives, eczema, migraines, and even acne should spend a good deal of time experimenting with an allergy elimination diet. In my book, I outline the diet I use and offer some general tips on it. Many others on this site have had success removing certain foods, some haven’t. It can be difficult cutting out foods and eating very strictly through the process, but it can pay off to do so.
I hope that you find relief soon.