Vibratory angioedema is a rare form of chronic hives called physical urticaria; the hives are caused by a certain stimulus on the body. In this case, the stimulus is a strong vibration. Angioedema is a deeper and more painful form of hives.
Examples of stimuli that can cause vibratory angioedema include:
- Operating a pneumatic hammer or lawnmower
- Riding a motorcycle
- Jogging
- Rubbing vigorously with a towel
Symptoms of Vibratory Angioedema
In vibratory angioedema, redness and swelling develop where the skin has been in contact with vibration within 2 to 5 minutes of the exposure. These symptoms typically resolve within 30 minutes to 1 hour.Treatment of Vibratory Angioedema
The main treatment of vibratory angioedema is avoidance of vibratory stimuli.Sources:
Grattan, Clive and Anne Kobza Black. "Urticaria and Angioedema." Dermatology. 2nd. Ed. Jean Bolognia. New York: Mosby, 2008: 261-76.
Habif, Thomas. "Urticaria and Angioedema." Clinical Dermatology, 4th Edition. Ed. Thomas Habif, MD. New York: Mosby, 2004. 129-61.
Zuberbier, Torsten and Marcus Maurer. “Urticaria: current opinions about etiology, diagnosis and therapy.” Acta Derm Venereologica. 87(2007): 196-205.
