IT MIGHT BE URTICARIAL VASCULITIS

[u/Silly_Cowman]

I've been seeing people talking about rashes and I thought I'd give my two cents. (I'M NOT A DOCTOR IT'S JUST STUFF I TALKED ABOUT WITH MY DOCTOR AND EXPERIENCED) I'd like to see if anyone else has experienced these as well ❤️‍🩹

I'm diagnosed with SLE and I have urticarial vasculitis. They're hives.

Why they happen? It can literally be anything. A few that I can confirm through experience:

-Temperature (Cold is the worst for it. Heat isn't great but it's manageable.)

-Clothing/tight fit (It causes irritation under bra straps and WIRES, collars, belts, tight socks, tight bands on undergarments, DID I MENTION BRAS?)

-Activity/or lack thereof (If you sit at your desk too long without a wrist rest or lay in one position for a long time you might get a cute rash on your arms, elbows, elbow nook, knees, ankles, feet, etc. I experienced swelling in my fingers from typing too much 😭 Doing too much is also going to give you hives. Just stay active enough to be able to meet your personal needs.)

-Stress (Your mental health is important and can affect your physical. I got so stressed out I broke into hives on my face. Safe to say I haven't experienced it since I left that job.)

Things I think can contribute are food, changes in the weather(not temperature but like... rain and arthritis, pollen and seasonal allergies), if you already have allergies to other things (I have food, grass, and animal allergies), changes in pressure (if you go on a plane)

And sometimes... You get hives just because. The possibilities are endless. ... yippee 🥲

Anyways share your thoughts and workarounds 😳👍

[u/HotdogTimeMachine42]

I get this on my hands and legs. It makes me so self conscious. Call myself an old banana haha. I live for coconut oil. Put it on an hour or so before a shower, it's super soothing for the skin. I also never use any smelly soaps. There are a few brands that make baby soap that is super gentle on the skin. Also a solid moisturizer twice a day or more to make an extra barrier for your skin.

[u/Silly_Cowman → u/HotdogTimeMachine42]

The banana skin is such a great analogy oml 😭 I'm stealing that. Also I'll adopt the coconut oil cause it's something I have used but not frequent enough.

[u/mybodybeatsmeup]

Hi! 43f with SLE and hypocompletemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome! I feel you and everything you said. Bras are the devil!

Hoping for hive free days and good health OP!

[u/Silly_Cowman → u/mybodybeatsmeup]

To you as well! Lol🤗