Help! I've developed a heat allergy!
 

A few months ago I started getting this rash on the back of my hands. It took me a while to figure out that it was related to heat, but I refused to believe that heat was the only cause. Well yesterday I had some things to do on campus, so I decided to go by the health center and have it checked out. After a lot of talking with the doc she stuck a hot washcloth on my hand and triggered the rash. She said she's seen it before and that it seems I've developed a histimine reaction to heat! Has anyone else ever encountered this? It's not prickly heat, it's an actual allergy. Of course, since I live in Albuquerque I'm facing a long hot summer. Does anyone have any ideas how I can keep the backs of my hands cool while exercising? I plan on swimming a lot, but I love to walk. I've started taking zyrtec to see if it will help, but I'm worried it won't really help. :?:

Well, being that I am at work and completely bored, I started doing some searches online and I sure can't find much at all. I did find one website that just said to avoid exercise all together. And I found another that suggested that you could have a reaction to antihistimines during a breakout and you should have an epipen with you just in case. I did find a name for your condition though: cholinergic urticaria
There are some interesting articles on the web if you google it, but I sure couldn't find anything about how to treat it other than take Zyrtek or an antihistimine or just don't ever get hot. :)

This sound like a stupid idea but what if you kept a thin pair of gloves damp and in the freezer you could put them on while working out. It probably wouldn't last for a really long time, but it's a thought. They may have something at a sporting goods store that you could hold on your wrist or in your hand... i've seen heated once for when you're cold but not the other way though so i'm not sure. :(
good luck to you!

http://chris.quietlife.net/2001/10/0...s-what-i-have/

Here's a good board of people with ideas. One swears by accupuncture and some herbal remedies if you're into that. Also possibly a dietary issue with cheese or other dairy products? I saw this in a few of the other articles I read as well.

Wow! I suppose it could be a lot worse, I hope it doesn't get that way. I decided I'll try to walk in the early morning or late evening. I live in a safe neighborhood now, so I don't have to worry aobu twalking at night. I may try the cold gloves thing. I'll bet that'd work if I wanted to take a quick walk in the middle of the day. I think I'm also going to try rubbing ice cubes on the backs of my hands during hikes. I'm determined not to let this thing ruin my attempt at exercise.

Oy! I hope that you find something that works soon, that sounds miserable! You might want to keep some of those new instant cold packs on hand for emergencies, I used some last week when my back was out. You just squeeze them in the middle to mix the chemicals, and they stay cold for about 30 minutes.

Also, try an antihistamine cream on your hands before walking. It may not complete abate your attacks but it will reduce them. Benedryl makes one.

Any of these remedies worked for you? Just wondering if you are getting any better or at least some relief :)

I've been mostly staying inside lately, except early in the morning, or in the evening. I have had less attacks, so I think the Zyrtec may be working. However the severity of my attacks has not lessened (but it's also not getting worse.) I haven't been hiking or anything though. I haven't found the gloves that were suggested. I've been drinking a lot more water, in the hopes that it will keep my body cool. If anything it has made me more disciplined about fitting in exercise. Since I know I have to get it in while I can.

Glad to hear that things are getting a little bit better :)