I have been battling cholinergic urticaria for over a year now and have tried many diets and drugs. What seemed to work for me (although not a cure) is to simply sweat everyday with vigorous exercise. I know I am not the first one to say this but I can assure you its the only thing that makes my day tolerable.
If I skip a day or two, I suffer and cholinergic urticaria comes right back. But if I workout, I am ok. I know some people have said hot bath or sauna helps… but for me, super vigorous exercise was more effective (followed by a scorching hot shower).
The key for me is to find a type of exercise that I can do for at least 60 minutes, as I found that it takes me 20 minutes to warm up…20 minutes to enter full sweat and 20 minutes of active sweating…the last full 20 minutes of active sweating is what knocks it out for me.
Overtime, if I do this everyday, it actually builds on itself and the time to break the itch/pain threshold is less and less. (It used to take me 20 to 30 minutes for the itch to go away…now its closer to 10 minutes).
I joined a nationwide gym and found spin classes and boot camp classes on their schedule which has helped with the exercise routine so I don’t have to think too much about it. Most classes are an hour long. I am also noticing that I am getting sweat regions back. I lost the ability to sweat on my arms and now it is back.
Hope this helps…it wont be easy but if you are determined enough, you can live a normal life with the exercise/sweat therapy.
-CU Guy
Editor’s note: As always please consult with your doctor before trying any new exercise or diet program.
Anonymous says
Swear therapy always worked for me. Sauna, steam room especially, and exercise. With a balanced healthy diet and don’t overdue the heat and it just may work.
Cher says
I like the idea of ‘swear’ therapy myself. ?
Marcia Hildreth McGrath says
My son, age 31, is finding this effective as well. He has also stopped eating sugar(which he has found out he is very sensitive to) and has quit drinking caffeine. He has now lost a few pounds, and his skin is beautiful. He looks as healthy as when he was a child.
Ron Garrett says
The same for me. Working out daily to break a sweat makes it more tolerable for me. If I miss a day or two, the build up will lead to itching until I get back to the gym again.