HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Painful Prickly Itching In The Body Associated With Over Heating?

Posted on Thu, 9 Feb 2017

Question: I have painful prickly itching associated with getting over heated. It isn't associated with the change of life because I had a hysterectomy over 30 years ago. I checked with a pharmacist. He said it wasn't related to my medicine. What can it be and what can I do about it? I've noticed a cool shower helps but I can't rip my clothes off and shower
when I'm out some where.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cholienrgic urticaria; daily oral antihistamine

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am Dr.Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

This condition is known as cholinergic urticaria.

Cholinergic Urticaria classically presents with small, itchy welts distributed all over the body. The reaction is intense and sudden but short lasting.

The reaction commonly develops in response to certain stimuli which raise core body temperature e.g exercise/ physical activity, hot shower, spicy food Or in response to strong emotional reactions like anger, embarrassment etc.

It is a type of physical urticaria and is usually chronic and recurrent.

Apart from avoiding activities that trigger this type of urticaria, treatment is symptomatic with an Oral antihistamine e.g either Cetirizine or Loratadine or Fexofenadine. A single dose of an oral antihistamine is usually enough. A cool shower would also offer relief!

Topically you may use a soothing lotion e.g Calamine lotion during an episode of cholinergic urticaria.

Let me know if there's any further queries
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

I appreciate your expertise, Dr. Kakkar. I don't have any welts and I have tried antihistamines. They don't work. Yes, cool showers do help. You are right, as well, that "The reaction commonly develops in response to certain stimuli which raise core body temperature e.g exercise/ physical activity, hot shower" although I had not noticed if it was brought on by emotional responses. At least this gives me a name to go with the symptom. Thank you for your help. The cook showers do help but as said I can't stop while I'm out to take a shower. I'm going to try some medicated lotion to see if that will give me any relief. I will let you know if you like. That way you can pass the information on to your other patients. Incidentally, these bouts are sporadic. They aren't all over my body. They present in various areas, not just in one area or another. Currently, I have my laptop on my lap and they are coming up on my knees. My lap isn't hot but the pressure must have something to do with it. Don't forget there is a painful stingy that accompanies the itching.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Measures to reduce itching

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you.

I would definitely appreciate an input from you.
Right now, I suggest you to try a moisturiser e.g Am-lactin (contains 12% ammonium lactate) or Ureativ - 10 lotion (contains urea 10%). Though cholinergic urticaria is a possibility, itching could also be due to Xerosis/ dry skin.
Avoid soaps on your body as much as possible. Heaters/ blowers would exacerbate dryness and therefore itching, so avoid as much aas possible.
You would also benefit from coconut oil body massage for 15-20 minutes before you take shower.
If plain oral antihistamines have not helped, you may take a tablet of doxepin (H1 and H2 antagonistic action as well a tri cyclic antidepressant and therefore benefits anxiety) 10mg, twice daily

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 days later)

Dear Dr. Kakkar,

The coconut oil body massage sounds wonderful. I wonder if I can find someone to do it for me. LOL Is that covered under Medicare? Well, at least I have a sense of humor about this whole thing. I will get back to you with feedback after I've tried these suggestions. Thank you so much for all of your recommendations.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you.

Coconut oil massage would serve as a barrier to prevent water loss from your skin into the atmosphere. In addition you may use 12% ammonium lactate lotion (Am-lactin lotion), twice daily.
Thank you for writing to us. I ll wait for your feedback.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar