Heat urticaria

Heat urticaria
Synonyms	Cholinergic urticaria, Heat-induced urticaria
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hives, itching, redness
Complications	N/A
Onset	Adolescence or early adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Heat, exercise, emotional stress
Risks	Family history, atopy
Diagnosis	Clinical diagnosis, provocation test
Differential diagnosis	Solar urticaria, Cold urticaria, Aquagenic urticaria
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antihistamines, cooling measures, avoidance of triggers
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Heat urticaria is a rare form of chronic urticaria where hives or large, red welts form on the skin after exposure to a heat stimulus. The welts are usually itchy and often the hands and feet will become itchy and swollen as well.

Symptoms

The main symptom of heat urticaria is the presence of red, itchy welts on the skin following exposure to heat. These welts can vary in size and may appear anywhere on the body. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling of the hands and feet
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing

Causes

The exact cause of heat urticaria is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, in this case, the skin when it is exposed to heat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of heat urticaria is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. A doctor may also perform a physical examination and order tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for heat urticaria typically involves avoiding heat and taking antihistamines to help control the symptoms. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or other medications to suppress the immune system.

See also

• Urticaria
• Chronic urticaria
• Autoimmune disorder