Hi, my name is Justin. My first experience with cholinergic urticaria was back in 2009. I had no idea what it was, like most people. I went to my primary care doctor and I was prescribed Zyrtec. Took the Zyrtec for only a few days and my itching went away completely. In hindsight, I’m pretty sure the itching just went away on its own and had nothing to do with the Zyrtec I was taking.
I went on about life as usual never giving it a second thought. That was until early 2015. The itching returned. This time, much more intensely. I didn’t pay it much mind because I had it before and figured it would go away on its own in a week or so. Well, it did not go away but only continued to get worse.
When the itching started again in early 2015, I would only itch when I was exercising. It progressed to the point where I would itch just being out in the sun, in a hot room, or even just laughing at a joke. After experiencing this for about a month, tiny bumps started showing up all over my body along with the itching. (hives) This went on for over a year. I became a hermit and I was EXTREMELY depressed the entire time.
I then went to see a dermatologist and was prescribed every antihistamine and steroid in the book. Nothing worked. Then I was getting a 2x 150MG shots of omalizumab (Xolair) once a month. I was on the shot for about 7 months with no improvement. At this point I gave up on all medication. I was not feeling any better taking it, so I figured why poison my body with medication.
I came to this site looking for natural remedies and was fortunate enough to find one that was VERY effective. It was as simple as forcing myself to sweat (passively). I first tried exercise (active) but it was too difficult to push through the pain. I then thought, why don’t I just soak in a hot bath? I can just lay there and endure the reaction.
The article I read stated that this method is going to itch very badly and to prepare mentally for it. But that in about 10-15 min, the itching will go away and you’ll stop itching and start sweating like normal. I did it, and praise the Lord, it worked! I was so excited I immediately went outside for a jog. I couldn’t believe it! The hives were really gone! I called everyone I knew and told them the great news.
I am, at the moment, 7 weeks hives free. My life is back to normal and I have a great and new appreciation for the simple things in life. I will be attending a family reunion at the beach in August, and I am so excited to soak in some rays! I was definitely a hard case. My hives were very stubborn. If you, like me, have tried a bunch of different medications with no success, then hopefully this method will work for you. As always, talk to a doctor before trying sweat therapy.
Good luck!
Justin
Anonymous says
I use dry sauna when I can and it helped me for sure. Also do foot detox if you dont know that Google it. It takes toxins out of your body. But i also take antihistamines three times day with valum. Valum you ask memics drinking beer. When im drinking I never have hives. So doc gave me those to take the place of beer, cause cant drink all day everyday unfortunately. I am about %90 hives free doing this. Good luck everyone the struggle is real.
jim says
Justin I have been taking hot showers and trying to sweat as much as possible every chance I get. I also exfoliate with a face cloth when soaping my self in the shower. I use Sarna cream after shower for any itching that might occur thru the night. No bumps not itchy most of the time, but every now and then I have to scratch and it does not hive and pretty much clears on its own.
How come the genius doctors can’ or will not start sweat therapy from the start of the problems???
Been to doctors from Worcester to Boston seeing the best and no one ever told me to sweat it out.
HELP US SWEAT MORE WE DON’T SWEAT LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE!!
Low salt and never take gaterade just water and sweat it out. I Love Saunas they started me on the sweat it out stuff.
Jim
ross says
I have been struggling with this itching since October last year and I was thinking it will go by summer but it has become worse,I breakout anytime I step out in the sun and anytime I’m in a hot environment,please can anyone help me with a solution???
The struggling is REAL!!!!!!!!!!