Cholinergic Urticaria: How to get Relief through Homeopathy

Urticaria refers to a skin rash in which bumps known as wheals or welts suddenly appear on the skin. Also known as hives or nettle rash, Urticaria is of several types. One among them is cholinergic urticaria that refers to urticaria that gets triggered when the body gets warm and body’s temperature increases from exercise, being in a warm room or in hot weather or from sweating. It is also known as heat hives or heat bumps. Exercise is the most common of all the triggers for this type of Urticaria. Other triggers for this type of Urticaria include bathing with hot water, fever, exposure to sun’s heat, being near a stove, stress, nervousness, anxiety, being angry, eating spicy or hot food and alcohol consumption. The exact reason behind this type of urticaria is not clear yet. But it is believed that it may arise from an allergic response. In this condition, the body overreacts to heat and sweat. Heat and sweat, along with release of histamine, causes  reaction. Though it may affect both males and females, it is relatively more common in males. A person already suffering from an allergic condition like hay fever (allergic rhinitis), asthma, eczema or Urticaria from some other causes (like from eating certain food, pressure on the skin) are at a high risk of getting cholinergic urticaria.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very effective in managing cholinergic Urticaria. These medicines are entirely safe to use as these are prepared from naturally occurring substances and have zero side effects. They help magnificently in healing the wheals.  Along with this any itching, burning, stinging sensation is well controlled with these medicines. After acutely managing the condition, homeopathic medicines work gradually to overcome the tendency of recurrence of this type of Urticaria.  For this, homeopathic treatment has to be continued for a few months depending on duration and intensity of case. Homeopathic medicines are selected for every individual case based on the symptom presentation so homeopathic prescription varies from case to case. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic doctor only. Homeopathic medicines are recommended only for mild to moderate cases of cholinergic Urticaria. Homeopathy has limitations in treating severe cases of urticaria, and the severe condition of anaphylaxis. So, in cases of severe intensity and where any signs of anaphylaxis are present, it is advised to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment.

Homeopathic Medicines for Cholinergic Urticaria

1.Apis Mellifica – Top Recommended Medicine

Apis Mellifica ranks first on the list of homeopathic medicines for treating Urticaria. It is one of the best medicines when Urticaria gets triggered from heat, and warmth of the bed. It is also the most effective medicine for hives that occur in warm weather. Following heat exposure, red wheals appear on the skin. There is intense burning and stinging in the wheals. These are also very itchy, especially during night. There is relief from itching in open air. One may feel pain in the wheals. The wheals may be tender to touch. It is also a well-indicated medicine for managing hives that appear during fever.

wheals on the skin

2. Natrum Mur – For Urticaria After Exercise

This medicine is very beneficial for Urticaria occurring after exercise. The bumps may form over the whole body surface in those needing it. The bumps may be quite large. Violent itching is felt in the wheals. Burning and stinging sensation is felt too.

3. Rhus Tox – For Urticaria From Sweating

Rhus Tox is a well indicated medicine when Urticaria is triggered from sweating. Wheals appear with intense itching which worsens from rubbing. This medicine is also valuable to help cases of Urticaria during fever. In such cases, wheals appear all over the body along with itching. The wheals are dark red, circular and elevated. The surrounding skin may be swollen.

4. Urtica Urens – For Exercise Induced Urticaria

Just like medicine Natrum Mur, this medicine is also useful for cases of exercise-induced Urticaria. Red-colored raised bumps appear on the skin after exercise in cases needing it. This is accompanied with severe itching. Burning heat is also felt in the bumps. Formication (sensation of insects crawling under the skin) can be quite prominent where this medicine is required. In some areas, stinging sensation is felt in the wheals.

5. Pulsatilla – For Urticaria In Summer

This natural medicine is very effective for treating Urticaria that occurs in summer. In cases needing it, wheals occur on the skin with itching in hot weather. Itching gets worse at night.

6. Sulphur – During Fever

Sulphur is a suitable medicine for managing cases of hives that get triggered during fever. The wheals may appear on the arms, legs, face and neck. The hives can be quite itchy along with burning sensation.

7. Chloralum – For Hives From Alcoholic Drinks

For treatment of hives that get triggered from consuming alcoholic drinks, Chloralum is the best choice of medicine. It is also indicated for hives from drinking any hot liquid. Large patches of red-colored wheals appear on the neck, back, abdomen and the limbs. Violent stinging and itching occurs.

8. Conium – For Hives From Being Overheated

Conium is another very helpful medicine when hives appear due to the body getting overheated. It is effective when hives appear after intense body exercise. Itching is felt in the wheals. It gets worse from scratching. Burning and pain may also be felt.

Signs And Symptoms

In cholinergic Urticaria, tiny (between 1 – 5 mm) bumps appear on the skin surrounded by circles called wheals. The bumps may be skin colored or red. These may turn white when pressed. Itching, stinging, tingling or burning sensation may attend. Though the bumps may appear on any body part but more commonly occur on the face, chest, arms and upper back.  Palms, soles and armpits are never affected. The hives may develop within 5 -6 minutes of exposure to the trigger and may remain for half an hour to about two hours. This condition may vary from being mild to severe that requires immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms of severe condition (called anaphylaxis) includes hives covering the whole body along with other symptoms like swelling in the deep layers of skin, swelling in the throat or of the tongue. This condition can block airways, cause contraction of the airways causing breathing difficulty, wheezing, weak and rapid pulse, dizziness and low blood pressure. When any of these severe symptoms are felt, it is advised to take immediate medical help as these point towards a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.