The following post was submitted by a reader:
Hello!
I developed cholinergic urticaria a couple of months ago. It is quite severe, appears within 2 minutes of easy exercising, and won’t go away for another hour, even if I cool myself off with cold water. Surprisingly though, it is not very itchy, just a bit prickly and I look like I’ve been infected with a huge mushroom colony.
Given the fact that it doesn’t itch very badly, I was wondering if I could ignore my cholinergic urticaria and continue exercising almost normally. Could this be harmful, or possibly worsen my condition?
-Rok
Hivesguy says
October 28, 2014 at 8:56 amRok,
It’s always a good idea to ask a doctor if you should exercise, and I’d recommend getting an Epi-Pen and working out with a partner if your doctor says it is okay.
Sweat therapy/exercising is a way that many people reduce symptoms of cholinergic urticaria. The idea is to endure the reaction with the hopes that the reactions will become lighter over time, or that the reactions may cease for a day or so after the session.
It doesn’t work well for everyone, but it is definitely something to consider.
I hope that helps,
Hivesguy
mikemorse34 says
October 28, 2014 at 8:57 amRok,
It’s probably really good for you! The only thing is to watch your breathing during exercise. I get hives in my airways if I push it too hard, and have needed to inject myself with an epi pen. If it isn’t bothering your breathing or blood pressure, then I’d keep working out.
Mike
Rok says
October 28, 2014 at 2:42 pmThanks for the tips! I did a lot of long-distance running (marathons’n’stuff) before my CU appeared, so I have my breathing sorted out quite well, and I haven’t noticed any problems so far 🙂