Cholinergic urticaria is an immune system disorder, which results in red blisters, itchy skin and inflamed rashes. Stress, heat, sweat or exercise is main triggers of this allergic reaction.
A study carried out with different sec and age group showed positive when tested with sweat. However, few experts say main trigger of sweat allergy symptoms or cholinergic urticaria is due to change in body temperature due to hot shower, stress or excess sweating.
About 10 percent of young adults experience this immunological disorder. In most cases it is either exercise or sweat that triggered the allergic reaction.
Urticaria (hives) condition increases when the person’s body temperature by physical or mental stress. Technically, cholinergic urticaria isn’t allergy, as no IgE antibodies are involved. Because the mechanism is identical to allergy, it is called so.
Symptoms of Sweat Allergy or Cholinergic Urticaria
Jogging, aerobics, soccer, anxiety and other heat raising activities can result in allergic reaction.
Hives starts appearing within minutes of sweating and may last for an hour.
Intense itching, skin rashes, red blisters and inflammation can be accompanied. Excluding palms, soles and axilla, skin rashes can appear on different parts of the body.
Severe symptoms like swelling of throat, difficulty in breathing, asthma and tingling sensation on tongue can be experienced, which need immediate medical attention.
Treatment and Diagnosis
Rapid cooling with UV light can reduce sweat allergy symptoms. Combination of H1 and H2 antagonists can effectively treat cholinergic urticaria condition.
Experts say that most people has this rare allergic reaction, but most people either manage or unaware of the reaction. But, in few people the reaction can lead to itchy blisters and sometimes can be life-threatening.
You must consult allergist or dermatologist for diagnosis. He/she will conduct skin prick test to determine the allergen and prescribe necessary medication.
Apart that, patient who previously experienced sweat allergy symptoms must stay away from physical and mental stress. It’s good to discuss with doctor about the immediate steps which need to be taken in serous conditions.
Immunosuppressive, antihistamines and leukotriene inhibitors can reduce cholinergic urticaria in few people. But there are few cases where antihistamine triggered allergic reaction. So you must consult doctor before considering these medicines.
Cholinergic urticaria has 4 subtypes: cholinergic urticaria with poral occlusion, general hypohidrosis, idiopathic cholinergic and cholinergic urticaria with sweat.
A college soccer, Caitlin McComish experienced life-threatening symptoms in soccer field. Symptoms like upset stomach, tingly palms and feet are experienced.
Another case is of a gymnast and dancer, Julie Reid experience cholinergic urticaria conditions with sweat and tears.
If you’re allergic to sweat or heat, then I recommend to consult allergist for diagnosis.