Hi, I'm 19 and am new to chronic urticaria myself... Although I've been showing mild symptoms since childhood (including swelling of hands when outdoors, itchy thighs after exercise/washing dishes, redness of legs after hot showers), I did not realise these were linked to the hives that developed about
6 weeks ago until I started reading up on it. I originally broke out in a rash on my wrist which faded after a couple of hours, then the following day across both my thighs. The doctor I went to told me it was urticarial and dismissed it as an allergic reaction. I have only broken out in hives once or twice before, both times were last year during my winter exam period, and as they were isolated cases I assumed they were stress-related or from an allergic reaction.
Since my last doctor's visit in May I have been taking an antihistamine called Xergic 180. I initially had to take the tablets once everyday to prevent the rash, now I am able to go 2-3 days without taking anything. However my mind has not been able to ease. When allowed to run rampant I will get an itchy red welt-like rash either on my thighs or my wrists/hands, and sometimes my stomach will turn red and itchy (but not break out in welts). Usually swollen fingertips or itchy feet will precede the rash.
Recently (as in the last few days) I have been getting hot flushes along my thighs and my arms- like they're blushing. This occurs even after having taken the antihistamines. It's not unpleasant, but definitely unsettling. I also feel itchy a lot without breaking out in a rash, but I think a lot of the time it's phantom itch. I have also gotten one or two isolated red itchy bumps; so far two on my arm and two on my face. It is difficult to determine whether these are just insect bites or not, but I'm concerned that my CU will progress to my face.
At the moment I believe my chronic urticaria is triggered by heat somehow. My fingers swelled once from holding a toasted sandwich and I get itchy after exposure to hot water or exercise. My questions are whether CU of this kind has a tendency to be seasonal (so far this has only occurred in winter), and if so would it be worth it to consider moving to a warmer climate? Also, what is the likelihood of the symptoms worsening as time goes on, and what is the best course of action should my current medication cease to alleviate the problem? I am also curious about
the urticaria diet that has cropped up in previous threads, and other 'natural' methods.... I don't like medication in general so an alternative would be fantastic.
Sorry about
using this thread to post this, but I didn't think it warranted my own thread. With my own urticaria I find it is only when I go from cold to hot, and in winter, not in summer when you'd be swimming in the ocean. If your CU is anything like mine then I would say you'd be safe to go swimming. :] At least I hope so, because I love the beach! Good luck <3
Post Edited (anonymoose) : 7/12/2008 8:52:13 PM (GMT-6)