Before I start in, I just want to let anyone who is struggling with this ailment know that the solution I used was not the most pleasant solution. Ok, as you all may know, cholinergic urticaria isn’t one of the most well known diseases so, by nature, there aren’t very many known cures or solutions.
In my research during the time I had cholinergic urticaria I came across many articles saying that one needs to sit through the reaction for a certain duration in order to be cured. Sure enough, after about 30-45 minutes of enduring the reaction standing in my bathroom (not the shower) with the water as hot as possible, I was able to semi-cure my head and part of my torso.
Unfortunately, the rest of my body was not so lucky as a result of heat rising and not affecting my lower body as much. Anyways a couple of months later I started taking Clarinex. This is a prescribed antihistamine that not only reduced irritation, but after a few weeks or so, granted me the ability to sweat again.
At this point it was nearly winter and, as you may know, it is quite difficult to sweat during winter in a cold area. As a result, I began using a space heater in my room and staying underneath as many blankets as possible trying to help me sweat. After a few months I started seeing some improvements and by the time the weather began to warm up in late spring/early summer (its been a cold year in the DMV) I was able to sweat freely.
This solution probably would not have taken as long if I had managed to start doing this before the cold weather came in, but overall, this solution took me about 6-7 months.
TL:DR
I started taking Clarinex and exposing myself to hotter climates. This allowed me to sweat and got rid of the hives altogether.
DISCLAIMER:
I would not recommend exposing yourself to EXTREME heat until you start sweating a little bit. You should ease into it so you won’t be completely uncomfortable and so you do not damage your body. This solution takes time and it requires patience and an iron will. I’m sure you all, as I was, will be willing to do anything to get rid of cholinergic urticaria. Please talk to your doctor before trying antihistamines or sweat therapy for safety reasons.
-Raphy
Hivesguy says
Thanks for taking the time to share what worked for you, Raphy. I hope you continue to have excellent health with no hives.
Joshua Kumin says
Raphy,
Thanks for writing all this. So, if I have this right, you cured yourself by intentionally exposing yourself to heat for long periods of time? Have they completely gone away or are they just less frequent now?
Best,
Josh