Living with Chronic Spontaneous Hives

Symptoms of Chronic Spontaneous Hives

CSU is unpredictable. Unlike hives that occur when you are exposed to a substance you are sensitive or allergic to, CSU hives appear and disappear in a random manner. And they can appear for long periods of time. This means you may be having a “good” week with little or no hives and are making plans to go out. I suddenly break out in hives and feel very unwell. Or, it might appear just before an important presentation at work or a long-awaited (and needed) vacation. This unpredictability can create uncertainty when making plans and can be frustrating when you have to cancel your plans. If the people around you don’t understand how difficult it is to have repeated outbreaks of hives like this, it can also affect your relationships.

Here are four ways CSU can impact your life.

increased anxiety and depression

Researchers found that people with CSU had up to six times higher rates of anxiety and depression than people without the disorder. If left untreated, depression can cause physical problems such as heart disease and stroke. Anxiety and depression can also affect your ability to get medical help, follow a treatment plan, go to work or school, and care for yourself and your family.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy, helps many people with anxiety and depression. The goal of this type of therapy is to help you identify coping strategies and control your thoughts and emotions. If you have anxiety or depression, seek help from your health care provider (HCP). There are also groups that can provide support, such as WeCU and Allergy & Asthma Network.

lack of sleep

We know that pain can be detrimental to sleep. However, many people don’t understand what itching is and therefore may not understand how tiring and exhausting it can be. More than half of CSU patients do not sleep well. This, in turn, can worsen depression and anxiety as well as other mental health problems. Lack of sleep can also increase your risk of accidents, injuries, and long-term medical problems such as heart disease and some cancers.

If CSU affects your sleep, it is important to talk to your health care provider about it. If you are taking a second-generation antihistamine that does not cause drowsiness, your doctor may suggest adding another antihistamine that causes drowsiness at night. There may also be other useful pharmaceutical options.

It may be helpful to research ways to relax your body and mind. There are many self-help options to help people sleep, but working with a therapist may be the best way to start. It is especially best to work with someone who works with people living with CSU or similar medical issues.

There is less enjoyment in social and work life.

There are several reasons why UCE could have a significant impact on your social, work or academic life.

Adults with CSU miss more days of work and perform poorly at work than people with other allergic conditions. One study found that work productivity was reduced by approximately 12% in patients with mild CSU, and by 44% in patients with severe CSU. The same goes for children with CSU. They perform worse academically than their peers without long-term hives.

Daily tasks and intimacy may also be affected. It is not uncommon for some CSU patients to have problems with self-care, family life, and household chores. Sexual activity and intimate relationships may also become difficult. If you have insecurities about the way your skin looks, feel itchy all the time, feel tired, or your mental health has been affected, maintaining relationships can be difficult.

Getting out to enjoy a hobby is generally a great way to unwind and recharge. But if you live with CSU, you might not even think about it.

Finding clothes that feel comfortable can be difficult. Tight clothes cause friction against the skin, and some clothes are made of irritating materials such as wool or have seams or fabric that can be uncomfortable when in contact with the skin. It can be discouraging if you have a specific style you like to wear, but have to choose loose-fitting clothes made from different materials that don’t fit what you want to wear. This can be an even bigger problem if you have to wear a uniform to work or school, and you may need to get special permission for style or material.

increased risk of infection

Although uncommon, if the swollen area is scratched sufficiently and the skin is bruised, the infection can become serious if left untreated. If the skin is broken, you must clean the injured area, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover the injured area to protect it. If you notice redness, swelling, or discharge or pus from the area, see your health care provider.

CSU control

CSU is more than “just a hive.” It has a significant impact on your life. Discussing your situation with your healthcare provider to find the right medication to manage your hives and getting support from people around you, as well as groups and communities that understand CSU, can make a big difference in having as much fun as possible with this chronic condition.