CAN A PERSON BE ALLERGIC TO THEIR OWN SWEAT?
Most people associate hives with an allergic reaction. Sometimes hives appear in response to heat, sweat, or raised body temperature. Cholinergic urticaria (CU, also called heat hives) is a reaction to an increase in body temperature that causes patches of red skin with hives. It is not understood exactly what causes this reaction, but some doctors believe it may be an allergic response to sweat. People with CU may notice hives caused by sweat from working out, anxiety, or hot temperatures. People with eczema, asthma, and other allergies like hay fever are more likely to experience hives caused by CU. CU hives tend to show up about six minutes after exposure, and the skin may appear swollen, blotchy, or flushed.
P.S. Some people can have a life-threatening version of cholinergic urticaria that causes full-body hives, angioedema, bronchospasms, and very low blood pressure.
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