Kim, MD, a dermatologist and an associate professor of medicine. Patients may rate their chronic itch at around a 5 on a scale of 10, but that goes up to 10 during acute itch flares. Now that we know those acute flares are being transmitted in an entirely different way, we can target that pathway, and maybe we can help those patients. The typical pathway for itching in eczema patients involves cells in the skin that are activated and then release histamine, which can be inhibited with antihistamine drugs.
But with this acute itching, a different type of cell in the bloodstream transmits itch signals to the nerves. If we can block this pathway with drugs, it might represent a strategy for treating not only itch but other problems, including perhaps hay fever and asthma.
In recent years, several clinical studies have tested a strategy that involves blocking Immunoglobulin E IgE , which is produced by the immune system in response to allergens. Patients with allergies produce IgE, causing allergic reactions, but its role in itch has been unclear. Reviewing data from clinical studies of drugs aimed at treating chronic itching, Kim found a pattern in which patients reported episodes of acute itching, often after exposure to environmental allergens.
He also found that eczema patients who make IgE in response to allergens in the environment were more likely to experience those episodes of severe, acute itch. Studying the animals, they found that when the mice made IgE, they began to itch. I can't explain it, the doctors can't explain it but hopefully others can recover too. As for coping with it the medication helped but it was still a frustration just keep strong and never give up. I am very sorry to hear that your wife deals with CIU!
My oldest daughter also battles CIU. She takes a daily antihistamine to keep it under control. In the beginning, she had to take steroids to help get it under control. My spouse is dealing with CIU, with hives on a daily basis.
Her allergist landed on CIU and I thought he was just giving up on trying to find the cause, but a ton of independent research has shown that CIU is apparently legit. If anyone with CIU reads this, can you please share any tips on helping with the daily hives?
My wife is curious how others with CIU are coping with regards to their job, especially with the hives causing fatigue and frustration, difficult time concentrating, etc.
Skip to main content. Most of the time, you can find what caused them. What Is CIU? Hives caused by an allergic reaction or a viral infection usually go away after a short time. It is important to stay up-to-date on news about asthma and allergies. By joining our community and following our blog, you will receive news about research and treatments.
Our community also provides an opportunity to connect with other patients who manage these conditions for support. Copy Link to Comment Report Comment. Add Reaction. J JSP Member. This went on for a couple of years I slowly cut back on the medication over a months span and it's been 2 weeks since I've been hive free. Melissa G Member. NN Member. Use as little soap as possible. If you use soap, use a gentle one, such as Dove, Oil of Olay, or Basis.
Avoid using strong soaps and deodorant soaps around blisters or a rash. Try a cool, saltwater compress. To make the solution for the compress, use 2 tsp of salt in 1 qt 1 L of cool water. Wet a washcloth with the solution and apply the cloth to your skin. Avoid dry skin, which will worsen itching. Apply a moisturizer or calamine lotion to the skin while it is damp. For more information, see the topic Dry Skin and Itching.
Try washing your clothes with a mild detergent such as Cheer Free and Gentle or Ecover. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the cleaning product. Avoid strong detergents when you have a rash. Take several breaks during the day to do a relaxation exercise, particularly before going to bed, if stress appears to cause your itching or make it worse.
Sit or lie down, and try to clear your mind of distracting thoughts. Concentrate on relaxing every muscle in your body, starting with your toes and going up to your head. For more information, see the topic Stress Management. Over-the-counter medicines for itching If home treatment doesn't relieve the itching, you may want to try taking an over-the-counter medicine.
Use only a tiny amount of cream on the face or genitals. If itching is severe, your doctor may prescribe a stronger cream. Note: Don't use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Don't use it in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to. Calamine lotion may help dry out itchy, oozing blisters.
Oral antihistamines may relieve the itching.
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