Cholinergic urticaria

Cholinergic urticaria is the allergic reaction of the body, caused by acetylcholine. The most unusual thing about the disease is that the chemical compound provoking its appearance is produced in the body of each patient. Therefore, this form of the disease is considered a great rarity. Doctors have to deal with her in no more than 7% of all cases.

Causes of Cholinergic Urticaria

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. The substance regulates the neuromuscular activity of the body. The reaction to it occurs if the patient has a predisposition to allergy, and acetylcholine in his body is produced in excess.

Excessive production of the compound is observed during exacerbations of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, thyroid gland. In addition, the factors provoking ailment can be considered:

Symptoms of cholinergic urticaria

Cholinergic urticaria is difficult to confuse with anything. The first thing in the reaction on the body appear small size - from 1 mm to 3 mm - bubbles. They are pinkish in the center, and on the contour they are painted in bright red. In most cases, the skin around the rash swells and rises above the healthy epidermis. Bubbles are usually localized on the neck, forearms, chest, in the decollete. On the legs, abdomen and lower back, the rash appears very rarely.

Think about the treatment of cholinergic urticaria and make other symptoms, such as:

To determine hives is simple. Diagnosis involves a provocative introduction into the body of a synthetic substance, whose composition is similar to the composition of acetylcholine, followed by immersion of the upper limbs of the patient in hot water. If after this bubbles appear, the diagnosis is correct.

How to treat cholinergic urticaria?

Cholinergic urticaria is treated according to a scheme somewhat different from the standard one. This is because the allergen is produced directly by the body and it is impossible to stop contact with it. For the same reason, it is not appropriate to take traditional antihistamines. More precisely, they can benefit only if the main symptoms are joined by a cross-allergic reaction in the form of conjunctivitis, lachrymation, runny nose.

The most effective against rashes with cholinergic urticaria - ointments and gels for topical application. To put them on the affected places you need twice a day (some more often). The most popular tools:

In some cases, to help the patient, the doctor can prescribe hormonal preparations. Basically, they are approached for help when the defeats are large.

Prophylaxis of cholinergic urticaria

  1. Protect yourself from stress and emotional overload.
  2. Reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum.
  3. Try to limit yourself in sharp and hot dishes.
  4. Doing sports or working hard, watch your body closely. Even with the appearance of mild sweat, take a short break.
  5. At a risk of developing cholinergic urticaria, you can not take a hot shower or visit a steam bath. Optimum temperatures are considered to be 36-37 degrees.