Allergic to exercise: your guide to exercise-induced urticaria

5th April 2023

Allergic to exercise: your guide to exercise-induced urticaria

Exercise is great, if a bit of a mixed bag. You can end up feeling fantastic about yourself as you’re awash with endorphins and the feel-good vibes that you’re working towards a health goal. It just so happens you also become incredibly sweaty and feel somewhat gross. And if you’re a jogger, well, we hope you enjoy your 6am runs in the rain.

As if that wasn’t enough, some people have a rare condition that makes working out that much more difficult. It’s called ‘exercise-induced urticaria’, and as the name suggests it’s a bad reaction to exercise. While it is very uncommon, it can still be serious and worth knowing about. So let’s look at what it is and how you can avoid it.

What is exercise-induced urticaria?

First, let’s look at what urticaria is on its own. It’s something we talk about every year as there is a day dedicated to it. It is a skin condition more commonly known as hives, weals, or welts. The trademark red marks and rashes can be on a specific part of the body or spread across larger areas.

The exercise-induced version will occur during or after working out. Since it’s a relatively new condition – in that we’ve only just begun to define it over the last few decades – it’s not really known where it comes from. It’s also likely your body’s reaction to the heat generated during exercise.

While not the same, there is also exercise induced anaphylaxis and the further linked food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA). This is when you exercise after eating a particular food, causing a negative reaction. What makes it different from a normal food allergy? Well, many people with FDEIA do not react to the food in normal circumstances. It’s only when they exercise that it causes the reaction.

What are the symptoms of exercise-induced urticaria?

It shares many symptoms with regular urticaria, as we mentioned above. These include:

• Hives
• Skin flushing
• Skin swelling
• Abdominal pain

These are considered more ‘mild’ symptoms, in that they shouldn’t lead to a potentially fatal reaction. But there can be more serious symptoms, such as:

• Swollen tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling faint

Many of these are symptoms of an anaphylactic shock which can happen. This could lead to a loss of consciousness, a drop in blood pressure, and needs urgent medical attention.

What can you do about it?

The first obvious step if you have this condition (or suspect you do) is to avoid exercise. Given the potential dangers of it, it’s not something you can ignore. You have to talk to your doctor about it first. Once you have a diagnosis, then exercise may still be possible. You just might have to choose something less heat-intensive, such as swimming.

In the case of FDEIA, the recommendation is to stay away from exercise after eating the triggering food. So if shellfish causes FDEIA, don’t work out for 24 hours after eating it.

Whichever you have, our baseline advice is the same: talk to an expert. This isn’t something you can diagnose at home. Especially since the condition is so rare in the first place. They can work towards diagnosing you and adjusting your lifestyle post-diagnosis. Their advice will allow you to live a free and healthy life. It just might mean less jogging in the rain.

If you ever have any allergy concerns – including skin conditions and breakouts such as this or other forms of urticaria – get in touch. Our team of allergy specialists can help put your mind at ease. To find out more, simply call us on 02031 433 449 or register as a new patient here.

Urticaria Day 2022: promoting a better quality of life

28th September 2022

Urticaria Day 2022: promoting a better quality of life

That time of year has come around again. Every year on the 1st of October, we raise awareness for Urticaria Day. By marking the occasion we want people to speak up about their life with the condition, and how we can make it an easier burden to bear.

This year is all about a “better quality of life”. While chronic urticaria is a physical condition, we don’t always pay attention to the effects it can have on our mental health. The focus of Urticaria Day 2022 is about how we can deal with the mental health challenges that arise and support those who need it.

If you’re not aware of urticaria and its far-reaching effects, we’re here to give you all the information you need.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a skin condition that you may also know as ‘hives’. You can notice it by its characteristic pale red weals that it leaves on the skin. It might not seem serious, but the intense itching that comes along with it can take a real toll on a person’s day.

This can be present on a specific part of the body for some, but for others it can spread across larger areas. And, while it can be acute and temporary, for many it is a chronic condition that flares up repeatedly. If you want to read more, we’ve talked about Urticaria Day in previous blogs, which you can find here, here, and here.

What is Urticaria Day 2022?

As we said before, this year’s theme is a “better quality of life”. Because even though it’s a skin condition, it can affect all aspects of a person’s life. As anyone living with the condition will attest to. They can compromise your ability to work, stop you from doing physical activity, or strain your relationships.

This is how it can affect a person’s mental health. People with chronic urticaria may feel isolated because their friends and family don’t understand. Or, by preventing someone from physical activity, it might stop them doing something they love. If the aim is to improve quality of life, then mental health has to be a part of the conversation.

The Urticaria Day website has some fantastic short videos that show just how chronic urticaria can affect our lives. From disturbing sleep to increasing anxiety, these videos are well worth showing someone who doesn’t understand how you feel.

What can you do?

The reason why Urticaria Day exists? To raise awareness. So if you want to do something to help, spread the word! There are a number of ways the organisers suggest you can help out. Why not look to see if there are any events in your local community? Just search “Urticaria Day” and your area and see what comes up. Take a look at social media, too.

Speaking of which, if you can’t take part in an event, you can still post about it on social media. The Urticaria Day organisers ask you to use the #UrticariaDay2022 and #UDAY2022 hashtags to join in with the conversation. Just showing that you’re paying attention can go a long way. And let your friends and family know all about it and how serious it can be.

For anyone suffering with acute or chronic urticaria, just know that you’re not alone. Urticaria Day 2022 is here to show you how much people care. If you’re ever concerned about your condition, talk to a skincare or allergy specialist to discuss the right course of treatment for you.

We’re a comforting shoulder for anyone with urticaria. We raise awareness about this condition every year because we acknowledge the effect it has on people. To discuss your urticaria, you can book an appointment with us, or simply give us a call on 02031 433 449.

Aquagenic urticaria: could you be allergic to water?

24th August 2022

Aquagenic urticaria: could you be allergic to water?

We’re having one of the hottest summers on record here in the UK. And for many, this means more time spent in water – whether it’s a swimming pool, the sea, a paddling pool in the garden, or a refreshing cold shower. But what if you didn’t have these luxuries on a hot summer’s day?

This is the reality for any aquagenic urticaria sufferers out there. In short, this condition is a skin reaction to water. You heard that right. Despite being around 60% water, humans can experience an allergic reaction simply from coming into contact with it. 

It’s a rare allergy, but it’s still worth knowing about just in case you ever experience symptoms. Or if you’re simply interested in hearing about some of the more niche allergies out there!

What causes aquagenic urticaria?

Aquagenic urticaria is a specific form of urticaria – a common skin condition associated with hives, rashes, weals, and welts. People experience a reaction after coming into contact with an allergen. The body releases histamines to fight the harmful substance. And these are what set off our allergy-like symptoms. 

In the case of aquagenic urticaria, the allergen triggering the reaction will, of course, be water. There are plenty of times we come into contact with water. But some of the more common triggers will be swimming, bathing, rain, sweat, or tears. 

What are the symptoms?

People with aquagenic urticaria can experience a range of symptoms. These include rashes, itching, red skin, burning sensations, lesions, welts, and inflammation. In more severe cases, drinking water can cause issues. With this, someone might experience difficulty breathing, swallowing, wheezing, or a rash around the mouth. 

Symptoms will kick in shortly after exposure, usually around 15 minutes. And luckily, mild symptoms don’t tend to stick around for long either. After drying yourself off, symptoms can fade within the hour. 

Is there a treatment?

While some triggers are easy enough to avoid, others are impossible. You can’t exactly tell your body to stop producing sweat or to never cry. So where it’s unrealistic to avoid contact with water completely, the key is to prevent or minimise your symptoms post-exposure.

Antihistamines can be taken daily to reduce your body’s allergic response. Severe cases that impact your breathing may require an EpiPen. And you may also need to be mindful of the water content in the foods you eat. 

You’ll also want to reduce your contact with water wherever possible. For example, taking shorter, less frequent showers. You can also opt for moisture-wicking clothing to prevent long contact with sweat. And become more mindful of the rain forecast.

Aquagenic urticaria is an incredibly rare condition. And if you experience symptoms, it’s easy to blame something else. The chlorine in the pool or a new product you’ve used in the shower. But if you’re noticing a persistent pattern between water contact and skin irritation, it might be worth investigating it a little further.

You don’t have to navigate your allergies alone. Our experts are always on-hand to answer any questions or concerns you might have. To get in touch with us, or to book an allergy test, call 02031 433 449, or register as a new patient.

Stranger than fiction: allergic to the cold

30th January 2019

Stranger than fiction: allergic to the cold

From a dislike of the cold to seasonal depression to getting ill, winter can cause several problems. But do you know what would make it even worse? If you were allergic to the cold.

Believe it or not, that’s a reality for some people. Also known as cold urticaria, the allergic condition causes trouble for some individuals during the cold winter weather. Here’s everything you need to know about the condition.

Urticaria

One young woman from Canada has recently gone viral when she shared her story about dealing with cold urticaria. Not only can cold weather cause problems, but something as trivial as a cold drink or ice cream can cause a reaction.

Not only can urticaria be incredibly painful, itchy, and sore, it can also cause individuals to feel isolated. Especially in places like Canada where it can drop to extreme temperatures (it’s currently at -14 degrees), leaving individuals with no choice but to stay at home. Despite taking this precaution, it can still be a challenge to avoid even the most basic risks, such as opening the fridge.

Risks

Cold urticaria, though painful, is relatively risk-free. But in cases such as Arianna Kent, it can be deadly. When the cold is too much, her body goes into anaphylactic shock. Despite having an EpiPen, Arianna ends up in the hospital at least once a month.

Like many allergies, cold urticaria can develop in later life. In the case of Cara Yacino, it developed after suffering from a virus. It is a condition that is more likely to appear in young adults.

Allergens

Ordinary urticaria is extremely common, with one in five people experiencing hives at some point throughout their lives. Allergens such as food, medications, insects, or pollen are all examples of urticaria triggers.

Due to the risk of anaphylaxis, stories like Arianna’s are critical to hear. Awareness is essential; urticaria may only start as a rash, but it can quickly take a worse turn. Being allergy tested can help to prevent complications to your health and wellbeing. If you experience symptoms such as hives or a swollen throat or tongue, we highly recommend being tested for allergies.

Living allergy-free isn’t always easy, but it isn’t impossible. Don’t risk putting your health and life at risk. Request an allergy test with us today or visit our website to find out how we can help you.

Allergic skin conditions: what you need to know

14th December 2018

Allergic skin conditions: what you need to know

The skin is your largest organ, so you should take care of it as such. While we would all love healthy, clear skin, for some this is a near impossibility thanks to our allergies. Skin allergies can exacerbate conditions like urticaria or dermatitis. At their worst, they can also lead to asthmatic reactions, putting your life on the line. It’s estimated that 60% of us suffer from a skin condition.

Dealing with allergies is difficult enough, but when you suffer from a skin problem, it is incredibly challenging. But what are the most common conditions and what causes them?

Atopic dermatitis

Belonging to the same group as eczema, atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease. Although it is common during infancy and childhood, not all sufferers will grow out of it and will continue to deal with the condition throughout adulthood. It’s caused when the skin isn’t able to properly retain moisture, causing the skin to dry out and blister, crack, and bleed. The skin is itchy, hot, and inflamed.

Unlike urticaria, atopic dermatitis doesn’t clear up overnight and is often a lifelong affliction. Mainly because it is a genetic condition, something which separates it from the similar contact dermatitis. Family members suffering from an allergic condition can even pass it on to their children. Triggers typically include extreme cold or hot weather, and chemicals like those found in soaps, detergents, and cosmetics.

Urticaria

Sometimes referred to as hives, weals, or welts, urticaria can cause the skin to itch, red bumps to form, and inflammation to rise. It usually forms on patches of the skin, but it can spread further across the body. Although it usually clears after 24 hours, it can affect the skin for around six weeks. We call it ‘acute urticaria’.

It can also manifest in chronic urticaria which causes the condition to last over several years. High levels of histamine in the body are a primary cause of the condition. When histamine, as well as other chemicals, are released into the skin after exposure to allergens, the blood vessels open, causing the skin to become blotchy and inflamed.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed, we highly recommend that you get tested for allergies. By doing so, you will be able to start your journey to living an itch-free life. Find out what environmental or chemical triggers you might have.

If you think you might be suffering from allergies, why not order one of our home testing kits today? Find out once and for all what’s causing your skin to itch. Request an allergy test from us or visit our website.

World urticaria day UCARE 2018

1st October 2018

World urticaria day 2018

You will know October for Halloween, but there’s another essential date to add to your calendars. The 1st of October is World Urticaria Day, and 2018 is the fifth iteration of the global event. It helps to raise awareness of the condition and bring people together. But what is urticaria and what causes it?

What is it?

You might not recognise the clinical name of the condition, but you have probably heard of hives, weals, and welts. These names are commonly used in place of urticaria. It usually manifests on the body in itchy and angry looking bumps. Although it sometimes appears on just a patch of skin, it can, unfortunately, spread to many parts of the body.

Often, the rash will clear up in as little as 24 hours; however, this isn’t always the case. It may affect the skin for about six weeks before disappearing, something called acute urticaria. But in some severe cases, the condition can be chronic and will come and go over many years.

In rare cases, individuals may suffer from urticaria vasculitis; this causes the blood vessels in the skin to become inflamed. Although this type doesn’t last for years like chronic urticaria does, it can last for more than 24 hours and sometimes leaves bruises.

Causes

Acute urticaria affects about 1 in 5 people throughout a lifetime, and people who suffer from allergies are likely to be more at risk.

The condition can be triggered when high levels of histamine and other chemicals are released into the skin, usually as a result of exposure to allergens. The blood vessels then open up, causing the skin to turn red and potentially ‘weep’, leading to itchiness. If you suffer from this, it is advised that you stay clear of alcohol, stress, and warm temperatures as this can make symptoms get worse.

If you suffer consistently for six weeks or more, it isn’t likely to be a result of an allergy. However, if you have experienced it for less time than this, it is critical that you are allergy tested to make sure you know what is causing it.

Awareness

Urticaria can become unbearable and can cause emotional distress; it sometimes even leads to depression. It can affect day to day life, and figures show that 1 in 7 people who suffer from chronic urticaria will experience emotional problems as a result.

Not everybody is aware of the skin affliction, and the effects it can have on a person’s life. The reality is that this is a far more common illness than people realise and we are spreading awareness. As an allergy clinic, sharing information about how allergies can affect people’s lives in big and small ways is essential to us.

This year’s slogan is “Do Better!” Because we can do more to raise awareness. This world urticaria day, search for the hashtags, #uday or #urticariaday, to find out about more people’s experiences of living with the illness, how you can help, and symptoms to look out for.

If you suspect you may be affected by urticaria, book an appointment with one of our experts in UCARE (Urticaria Centre of Reference and Excellence) London Allergy and Immunology Centre.

Urticaria and you

14th December 2017

Urticaria and you

Urticaria might sound like an abandoned Tolkien character, but it’s actually a lot more familiar than that. More commonly known as hives, urticaria is the medical name for the pale red bumps that appear on the skin, often as a reaction to certain allergens, though they can also occur because of the cold or unknown reasons. In most cases, they class this condition as ‘acute’. That is, provoked as a temporary reaction to a one-time stimulus. But it can also manifest as ‘chronic’, lasting over long periods of time for a few different reasons, usually linked to autoimmune reactions and infections.

Today we’re going to be mainly focusing on the short-term, acute cases of urticaria. Much of what we discuss is also useful for chronic sufferers and can help alleviate symptoms all the same. Urticaria can be a symptom of an allergic reaction; food allergies, allergy to the venom of stinging insects, reactions to medication, latex allergies. When urticaria rears its head it requires assessment by a specialist as the condition might be dangerous or even life-threatening.

The facts

Spontaneous urticaria can be induced by a variety of physical triggers, such as temperature change, pressure or even exercise. It’s usually not dangerous but very uncomfortable as it can last up to 6 weeks. That said, around half the triggers of acute urticaria are as yet unknown. Thankfully, there are universal ways of managing these outbreaks regardless of the catalyst.

The good thing is that, in acute cases, most instances of urticaria don’t actually require any treatment. Simply avoiding the trigger for a few days, or sometimes even only a few hours, can provide enough respite to see the condition subside and normality resume. If it persists beyond this it’s best to seek advice from a consultant. But there are some things you can do in the meantime to help alleviate your symptoms.

Prevention

As often discussed on this blog, non-sedating, over-the-counter antihistamines will work wonders in managing your irritation. As the body reacts, it releases histamine that affects blood vessels and nerves resulting in urticarial flares or swellings. Antihistamines receptors to histamines on blood vessels and nerves. While not curing the root of the problem, will make the symptoms, such as itching, far more bearable.

If the condition persists or is of sufficient intensity, then antihistamines in the standard may not do enough, and in this instance, you need to see a consultant. Documenting the symptoms in SymTrack hive app on daily basis will be very important in making a decision on the required treatment. In accordance with global urticaria guidelines, your consultant will recommend the course of action.

Urticaria isn’t usually enough to stop anyone in their tracks, but it can be a nasty irritant and leave individuals feeling embarrassed in public. The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and in fact, there are dedicated Urticaria Centres of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) that specialise in this condition and even a World Urticaria Day annually on the 1st October.

If you would like help and advice and to better understand your allergies, please book an appointment at our UCARE centre.