New Member

[Mr_Cookie]

Hello,

I'm new here, dealing with chronic urticaria for about four years; I'm 18. My symptoms are mostly triggered by heat and stress.

Is anybody else facing something similar?

Have a great day,

Mr. Cookie

[Jess-UKMasto Partner]

Hi Mr Cookie, some people with mast cell diseases do have urticaria (hives) as part of their conditions, but not all. I'm sorry nobody responded to your query about your condition. Have you found any strategies that help with your symptoms? Mast cells can be directly set off by the chemicals released when we feel stress (especially one called corticotropin releasing hormone) and then the mast cells release all kinds of chemicals. I've seen a video of a mast cell looking like it is exploding when it is next to CRH. Many people with mast cell diseases find that stress is a trigger of symptoms. And so learning to try to recognise when we feel stress and to try to use strategies to reduce those feelings is an important way to try to manage that symptom. When I was in my 20s, newly diagnosed with mastocytosis, I did a stress management course that met weekly for 10 weeks and it was really, really helpful. I wonder if there is something like that available to you. (Of course this was before smart phone apps and there are lots that are aimed at reducing stress, but having an organised course can be a way to make sure one really learns the content!) Best, Jess

[Winter_night]

Hi Mr Cookie. I’m very new to this group and I don’t have a lot of knowledge about MCAS but I do have urticaria and angiodema (swelling). Like you, heat and stress are triggers for me. And insect bites! More recently I’m reacting to foods and to things like toothpaste, soap etc.

I’ve had this problem since my teens; it tended to come and go but was always an issue during summer. I have other medical conditions that tend to go alongside allergies/mast cell problems. I’m trying a new drug this week which is not an antihistamine but dampens mast cell activity. Do you use antihistamines to manage your symptoms?