Living with Chronic Spontaneous Hives

Symptoms of Chronic Spontaneous Hives

CSU is unpredictable. Unlike hives that appear when you are exposed to a substance you are sensitive or allergic to, CSU hives appear and disappear seemingly randomly. And they can stay for a long time. This means you may be having a “good” week with little or no hives and can make plans to go out. Hives appear suddenly and make you miserable. Or maybe you have a big presentation coming up at work or right before a highly anticipated (and needed) vacation. This unpredictability can make planning uncertain and can make you feel frustrated 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 living with 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 those without CSU. If left untreated, depression can lead to physical problems, including heart disease and stroke. Both anxiety and depression can 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 talk therapy, helps many people with anxiety and depression. The goal of this type of therapy is to help you find coping strategies and manage your thoughts and emotions. If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, talk to your health care provider (HCP) about ways to get help. There are also groups that can provide support, such as WeCU and Allergy & Asthma Network.

lack of sleep

We all know that when you’re in pain, you can’t sleep. However, many people don’t realize how disruptive itchiness can be, so they may not understand how tiring and exhausting it can make them. More than half of CSU patients do not sleep well. This can ultimately 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 health problems such as heart disease and some cancers.

If CSU is affecting your sleep, it is important to talk to your HCP about it. If you are taking a second-generation antihistamine that does not make people drowsy, your healthcare provider may suggest adding another antihistamine that also causes drowsiness at night. There may also be other medication options that may help.

Researching mind-body and relaxation approaches may be helpful. There are many self-help options to help people sleep, but working with a therapist may be the best way to start. Especially therapists who work with people experiencing CSU or similar health issues.

Decreased enjoyment of social and work life

Here are a few reasons why CSU could have a huge impact on your social life, work, or education.

Adults with CSU miss more work and perform worse while at work than adults with other allergy-related conditions. One study found that mild CSU lost about 12% in work productivity, while severe CSU lost up to 44%. The same goes for children with CSU. They do worse in school than their classmates who don’t have long-term hives.

Daily tasks and intimacy may also be affected. It is not uncommon for some CSU patients to have difficulty managing personal care, family life, and household chores. Sexual activity and intimate relationships may also become difficult. It can be difficult to maintain relationships if you’re self-conscious about how your skin looks, itchy all the time, tired and affecting your mental health.

Having a hobby and just getting out and having fun is generally a great way to relax and recharge. But if you live with CSU, it might be the last thing you think about.

Finding clothes that feel comfortable can be difficult. Tight clothes rub against your skin, and some are made of irritating fabrics such as wool or have textures or seams that can cause discomfort to your skin. If you have a specific style you want to follow, it can be frustrating to have to choose loose-fitting clothes made from different materials that don’t match the clothes you want to wear. If you have to wear a uniform to work or school, this can be a bigger problem and you may need to ask for accommodations in style or fabric.

increased risk of infection

Although uncommon, scratching hives to the point where the skin breaks can lead to infection, which can become serious if left untreated. If the skin is torn, be sure to clean the injured area, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover the damaged skin to protect it. Contact your healthcare provider if redness or swelling occurs, or if discharge or pus comes from the area.

take charge of CSU

CSU is more than “just a hive.” It has a significant impact on your life. Discussing your condition with your health care provider to find the right medication to control your hives, and seeking support from people around you, groups and communities who understand CSU, can go a long way in helping you live a full life with this chronic condition.