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97615 tn?1212678589

Hives, Heat and Exercise

I have been getting a red rash for about 2 years upon exertion or w/ a temperature change.  The rash appears on my arms (inside only), on my chest and neck.  it doesnt always itch.  it goes away after i cool off.  this also happens w/ emotional changes, as when i get upset or frustrated or nervous.  i also get itching sometimes w/ no rash that travels from my feet up to the top of my head and i become so itchy i have to stop running (it happens when i am running) and itch myself.  i do not have a rash, i just itch.  i have been to an allergist and immunologist.  i have had liver tests and allergy tests and i have been tested for rheumatoid arthritis.  i take zyrtec which keeps it under control most of the time.  and by under control i mean i still get the rash just not as bad.  i do have seasonal allergies and asthma that are under control.  this did happen after stopping singulair and becoming pregnant, miscarrying, pregnant again and delivering, and now it is getting bad again.  i dont want to just control it, i want to know why it is happening.  all drs tell me to live w/ it.  i cannot.  i believe it is 2ndary to something else, but what????  anyone else have this.  could it be liver trouble??  mastocytosis??  sarcoidosis???  the dr called it exercise induced anaphylaxis??  it isnt just exercise though.  i could use some answers.  
41 Responses
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15545184 tn?1441268917
Start eating haridrakhand an ayurvedic mixture..!!
Zyrtec leaves withdrawal symptoms which is addictive life long! Leave zyrtec!
I was taking zyrtec since 8 years..now I switched to an antihistamine which does not have hydrochloride and started Haridrakhand too. Hope to get off these demonic Hives.
Helpful - 0
15545184 tn?1441268917
Start eating haridrakhand an ayurvedic mixture..!!
Zyrtec leaves withdrawal symptoms which is addictive life long! Leave zyrtec!
I was taking zyrtec since 8 years..now I switched to an antihistamine which does not have hydrochloride and started Haridrakhand too. Hope to get off these demonic Hives.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Most doctors have difficulty identifying the cause of your urticaria. You will likely be prescribed an allergy suppressant such as Zyrtec, which works pretty good  in suppressing your symptoms.

Everyone does not suffer from hives. We (i.e. individuals that suffer from hives) are a very small group within the 20 percent of the U. S. population that suffer from allergies. With this said, we might look to our past medical/health history for answers. One thing that I would like to know from everyone who has posted information to this forum is whether anyone has ever suffered from mild to severe asthma as I have, or a related condition.  A lot of people like to think that they have outgrown or overcome asthma, but not so fast. What you are experiencing functions just like an asthmatic allergy. Allergy symptoms to almost any change (e. g., change of weather, temperature, stress such as not lifting weights to lifting weights) can trigger an immune response when you have asthma whether you think you have rid yourselves of asthma or NOT. Perhaps, you were never diagnosed with asthma. I have known a number of adults to learn of their asthma in their thirties.

As with urticaria or hives, most asthma doctors would struggle to identify your triggers.

When you are experiencing a hives outbreak, there is almost always an increase/change in your breathing, and possibly, some mucous in your lungs. Pay close attention to these changes when you are having a hives outbreak.
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Avatar universal
my 11 year old daughter has hives everywhere.it is her first time getting them and they have been there for two days she is miserable.i have been on the internet all night and the only thing i can figure out is heat.  temperature changes we don't have air but all the grocery stores and family members do . it is 110 during the day and 95 at night. but in the pool or airconditioning its only about65 or 70 degrees. wish i had a solution for her other than antihistamines and suffering.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had chronic hives for the last four years with the hopes to my body would change or grow out of it.  It seems to be the worst on cold days and after a workout first thing in the morning.  At one point, my throat and tongue used to swell weakly.  I have tried everything prescribed by my allergist but nothing seems to work.  Prednizone used to clear me up but that does northing.  The only thing that seems to keep it manageable for me is to shower first thing in the morning no matter what i am doing.  It seems to help with body termpaerature and the severity of the breakouts.  The tough part about this condition is it affects the way you deal with your daily life.  I don't shave everyday - especially on days i have to meet with customers - for the fear of a reaction on my face.  Hopefully someone has some answers?

Thanks
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Avatar universal

i have a 4yr old that started with this about a year ago. the day after Christmas last year he got so overheated an broke out in the 'rash' that he almost passed out. the doctotrs keep saying oh maybe a virus or seasonal or whatever other bs they feel like saying. i know something is triggering it and would love to know what it is. thanks to all of you for your comments because i thought he was the only one going through this.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ive had this problem for two or three years as well. At first I itched with no redness at all but eventually it turned into red blotches from head to toe and as it progressed it stop itching but in its place, a stinging pain occured. It wears off after I cool off. My doctor was telling me about a shot for everyday that might help but lost contact with her. Anyone else heard of a shot?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i have had this problem for the past two years during there winter months. it seems like if im running, working out, in front of a fire place, or even wrestling with my nephew, or riding home with my sister and she has the heat blasting i start to ich. usually starting with my wrists or ankles and goes to my knees an neck and head. the itch is extremly intense like no other itch ive ever had. there is no way i could continue to do what ever i was doin before i startd to ich. it goes away if i move to a cooler enviornment such as outside or let a window down and **** everyone off in the car. i recently realized when i start itching i get a small rash on the inside of my wrist but it goes away about five minutes after the itching stops. i went to a doctor. he proscribed me some medicine called diphenhydramine. he said it was a antihistamine. but it doesnt work not even one bit!! dont ever go to a doctor in halifax virginia! i have no clue whats wrong with me or even if a doctor can firgure it out! any help on what it is that i have and a treatment? any help will be greatly apreciated!!!!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I finally got cured, i went to a homeopath and he gave me some pills that i took the for tow month i started to get better each the after the first month and now i'm totally fine, tnx god, so plz try a homeopath and plz let me now of the results.
God bless u all.
Helpful - 0
1521023 tn?1291092697
I have had this problem since I was 6 years old, I am now 19. It has gotten a little better over the years but not at all how I thought it would change. When I was little I was told "you will grow out of it" Obviously, that never happened. I used a mixture of antihistamines for a while, and that seemed to help ALOT. My suggestion is go to an allergist, STRESS that you have such a problem with it and can't function in a normal life without having this problem. If I had the cure, I would send it everyones way! Dealing with this for 13 years has been awful, and I am glad to know I am not the only one out there with this issue. Hang in there, hopefully it will get better!
Helpful - 0
1355118 tn?1298564879
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi, welcome to the forum, it needs careful evaluation of history to come to a particular diagnosis and your symptoms are suggestive of allergy. Your symptoms can be suggestive of physical or cholinergic Urticaria which presents as erythematous swelling of the skin secondary to temperature changes
.
Anti-histaminic and/or Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist (may be added if not controlled by antihistamines) will help to relieve the symptoms. You can go for the long term therapy; side effects will not be matter of concern except for mild sedation and sometimes headache.

Other causes can be contact or irritant dermatitis. Find out if you are allergic to some new garments which you wear in night times, or bed sheets etc. If such is the case, you need to avoid further exposure to it.  Other mentioned causes by you are unlikely.
I suggest you to consult a dermatologist for further evaluation. Take care and regards.
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Avatar universal
Alright so you are all not alone although I don't know the cure.  I have found that it is getting worse as time is going on and it is becoming almost impossible to work out.  Zrytec not working even a little bit. I have gone to a dermatologist and she really wasn't that interested in helping me.  Thinking that it may be hormonal, because it started after my son was born, I am making an appointment with the gynocologist.  I also get extremely car sick since he was born.  I am frustrated beyond belief.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi all
I started to have this type of strange disease since 15 and i just dont know what should i call it! i have gone to so many doctors and no one could help me. i have tried hydroxyzine, Zaditen....
i'm totally ok in summers and it begins in fall, when i'm to a hot place, exposed to sun, have emotional changes with stress, temp Change and to sum up whenever my body starts ro sweat i feel untollerable burning feeling all over my body,and sometimes with little red spots on my arms, Inside. 1mm Diameter. its like a thousand needles stuck in my skin.an d moves like a stream on my skin and usally lasts for 2-3 minutes till i cool off.triamcinolone which is a steroid helpes and stopps it 4 less than 2 weeks and then it comes back again.
Since i moved to a new location with dry weather i rarely experience this feeling when fall begins.Now i have to move back to the place where i used to leave wich has  High Humidity  (RH%). it really makes me scared, i can't bear it.
Does anyone have the same feeling? PLEASE HELP ME for i'm totally HOPELESS.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I moved from Florida to Tennessee in the spring of 2008 and by that fall started to get an allergic rash on my trunk, legs, buttocks, back of neck, eyelids and just about everywhere actually! I have been to 3 doctors and had several allergy tests done but no definite diagnosis yet. I am noticing this happens when the seasons change but it doesn't go away quickly. It will last for months on end, go away for just a few and then come back with the next drastic change in temperature. This time around I have it on the palms of my hands among all other places mentioned and it is extremely miserable. Any ideas what exactly it is I might have? Thank you for any help. T
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Oh man this sounds so familiar! I had my first episode when I was in college and went out for a walk on an early spring day. Was a couple of km's from home and started to get super crazy itchy all over my body, and was covered in hives. It took me quite a while to get home and by that time I had extreme swelling everywhere and looked like the Micheline man or Pillsbury dough boy -> literally. It was so awful, took over a week for my stretched skin to return to normal. I seem to find my symptoms worsen when my body temperature elevates with exercise or at work and the air around is a little cooler like in spring and fall, but worst of all is with humidity. I also will get crazy itching and hives on my hands if they are exposed in the winter.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i got bumps on my head &whole body from feet to head sometimes red &sometimes skin colour itching &burning sensastion.it will disappear in one or two days.so i will take head over bayth at that times.this happens from my meno pause time ie @my age 39.now iam 59 but still it persists.but after along time it occures now. that is after change of weather [iam back to madurai after visiting kodaikanal.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
All your comments are so interesting to me!  I am a 40 year female from Australia.  
I have celiac disease (diagnosed 5 yrs ago), have had thyroid disease (after my 2 children were born - 9 and 5 yrs ago), and have just last week been diagnosed with lupus .... all auto-immune disorders.
And I too have the 'rash' you are all talking about.  
2 months ago I started getting hives - on my inner arms, forehead, chest, stomach, legs and feet.  They first appeared on the day I got my period, went away about a week later, then appeared the next month on that day too.  Hormone related?  Must be I say.
I now take a claratyne (anti-histamine) every day and find I don't get the hives, just the rash - in the same places as the hives, but it doesn't seem to 'blow up' to hives, just a red rash (very small red dots).  The red rash is always symmetrical on my body - on both inner arms, both feet, etc at the same time.
When I go out in the sun the rash comes out.  When I run or surf (I live near the beach) the rash comes out.  It does seem that when I get hot the rash appears.  
It also seems to appear sometimes when I feel anxious about something.  
I think the rash is to do with hormones / heat / stress.  It comes and goes so often I'm finding it hard to determine what is causing it.  Some days it comes up and down a few times. It's so frustrating!
I am on a special diet my doctor thought might help - a low chemical diet.  I already eat gluten free, but now am also trialling eating only 'low chemical' foods to see if that helps - eg: no tomatoes, avocado, mushrooms, bacon, wine, etc.  The list is endless, but I'm willing to try it.  You never know - may just work and I can be rash free!!
Next month I am booked to see an allergist who specializes in allergys and immunology about the rash and hives.  I'm hoping to learn alot more from this appt, so I'll keep you posted if I get any info that may help anyone else.
Best wishes!
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1029637 tn?1253079100
hi. I have the same problem. It appeared for the first time last week, so immediatly I went to see my doctor. she looked me over, asked a few questions and told me I'm allergic to heat.
it is possible.
turns out, my grandmother also had the same problem. her heat allergys began when she started taking birth control after her fifth child. my hives appeard the day before my period, so i do agree that is is hormone related.  

out of curiosity, does anyone here have lupus? i'm also being tested for lupus which is disease more common in women and is more agressive with hormone changes. i'm wondering if there may be a connection between the two?
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1019092 tn?1278355802
hi. my name is Rodion. i am 18. and i have problem with allergy!!! I get a red rash for about 11 months. The rash appears on my arms (inside only), on my chest and neck. When I was under the sun, in heat, angry. Please answer me. I need some help!!! ***@**** - my e-mail. SOS)))
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i think oranges r the cure.. from the time i hv started consuming oranges my intensity of the hives n rashes has come down drastically.. these days i eat arnd 3-4 oranges per day n i am 90% cured.. jus occasional iches thtz all.. rashes has totally stopped... it might oir  might not work for u but its worth tryin... cheers Raj
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You don't have to live with this. I was experiencing heat allergy and was fortunate enough to find a brilliant allergy specialist who recognized what it was. He prescribed the antihistamine Atarax (hydroxyzine). I took Atarax for about 2 years and I have been symptom free for about 4 years now. Of course, everyone is different so you may not have the same success that I did, but I wanted to share this information so others may be able to at least try it. One thing, though, Atarax is sedating so make sure you talk about this with your doctor before taking it. Cheers.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same exact problem and yes i also have celiacs disease.  I figured when my Celiacs gene activated that is when my hives started happening because that is when i started to have all my problems.. I have had the hive problem for 7 years now. It was very bad in the beggining now it isnt as bad. I also think it does have somthing to do with hormones because i have found that when i take the pill it becomes much worse when it happens.
I am 19 years old and was diagnosed with celiacs when i was 17, my hives started when i was 13.  I have also found that aderax works but i will make you very sleepy when you first take it and i also bulit a tollerance to it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
sounds like heat hives (Cholinergic Urticaria) the samr thing happens to me...there is an excellent website that has more info about causes, treating, and most important living with it
http://www.heathives.com/
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am a 18 year old male who is experianceing all of the things in this forum. through out highschool I was a sub five minute miler and was in great shape then my junior year I started geting sicker, allergic to more things and other problems. I have allergies to most foods and everything in the enviroment, and I might have celiac but they refuse to biopsy b/c I am allergic to it anyway. I have been to our regional hopistial as well as Mayo yet they always seem to be a year behind.

My food allergies fluctuate from being able to eat it with no problem to having to go to the ER. Then some of my worst become my staple foods That I eat every other day.  

Mayo made me sit in a hot box for a hour plus covered in a yellow powder thats turns purple if you sweat, the pain was immense, but they figured out I don't sweat on my chest and arms

Within the last year and a half a new problem has arisen what happens with me is that if I do really any physical excerise, walk into a warm enviroment, take a hot shower, get mad or nervous I break out with bumps on the tops of my hands, wrist and the underside of forearms and chest, along with this my whole body starts to itch (starts in by lower back then explodes to the rest of my body) a long with turning a deep red. And it is very hard to cool down when this decides to act up. I have even walked around outside for 30min in -5 degree weather to get relief, most of the time I use extremly cold water on my skin for about 10-15 min, or i use ice, or go jump ina snow bank, somtimes all the above

Creams make it worse (feels like I have molten plastic on my skin), antihistimes don't touch it, epi used to work ( when first started i thought I was in contact with somthing I was allergic to).

Recently I used the epi for it b/c my legs and arms were getting stiff (lymph nodes swelling, typical allergy) but I was out of luck it didn't work, so I had to go jump in a snow bank fro about a hour.

I just wanted to share my story hopefully it helps in some way.
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