DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages
Home » Topics A–Z » Cholinergic urticaria
Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 2006.
Cholinergic urticaria is a common chronic inducible urticaria that is caused by sweating. It is sometimes referred to as heat bumps. Cold urticaria presents with very small (1–4 mm) weals surrounded by bright red flares.
Cholinergic urticaria is also known as cholinergic angioedema urticaria and heat bumps.
A rise in core body temperature resulting in sweating causes the rash in cholinergic urticaria. Common triggers include:
It is not uncommon for patients with cholinergic urticaria to have another associated physical urticaria, such as dermographism, cold urticaria or pressure urticaria.
The rash appears rapidly, usually within a few minutes of sweating, and can last from 30 minutes to an hour or more before fading away. The mean duration is around 80 minutes. Typical signs and symptoms of the rash include:
Cholinergic urticaria
People who are more likely to suffer from cholinergic urticaria include:
It occurs in both men and women but is more common in men than women. The condition tends to first appear in people aged between 10 and 30 years and persists for a number of years before it becomes less severe or goes away altogether. The natural course of cholinergic urticaria is quite variable, with most patients experiencing slow resolution over several years.
Once the cause of the rash is identified, it may be possible to avoid situations that trigger it. However, in many cases it is difficult to stop sweating, particularly in warm climates and if exercising is part of a daily routine. Sometimes rapid cooling can prevent an attack. For most patients, regular administration of an oral antihistamine such as cetirizine can be helpful in preventing the condition from arising. Beta-blockers such as propranolol have also been reported to be useful.
See smartphone apps to check your skin.
[Sponsored content]
© 2021 DermNet New Zealand Trust.
DermNet NZ does not provide an online consultation service. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice.