Chronic hives

I have had hives for almost three years now. Every antihistimine and stomach pill (that has a histimine blocker) has been tried. The only relief I have gotten was when I went on Cyclosporine for six moths. This is an antirejection drug. I do not want to stay on this, but have been off of it for five months now, and hives are starting to return. Sometimes they are red splotches on my skin, other times they are thick welts, both itch unreal. My eyes, lips and feet swell also. My eyes and lips swell till I look like someone has beat me...Any sugestions???

[star queen]

It sounds like you have done a lot to control or get rid of the hives, but I don't hear anything about finding the cause of the hives.  Hives are generally caused by something you are eating.  You can see an allergist to get tested, or you can remove one food or food group out of the diet for at least 2 weeks and see if that helps get rid of the hives.  A food group in this instance means "wheat", "rice" or "oats" products.  Products with "splenda", "aspartame", or any other sugar substitutes. Products with common additives, etc.  I am not refering to the food pyramids.  HIves can also be caused from contact with an allergen.  Check out pets, makeup, skin products, soaps, detergents, cleaners, etc.  It may take a long time at one product at a time, but something to try.

[baby1234]

I have chronic hives also. I have had them everyday since May 2005. I am similar to you in that the severity may fluctuate, but the itching stays the same. I get them on my palms, tops and bottoms of my feet, stomach, face, neck, arms, legs, and even on my scalp.

The strangest thing is that I am trying to get pregnant (with little success) so I started clomid and gonal f. I tell you that I didn't have a single hive the entire time I was on them (14 days). It was wonderful. Can't tell me that these things are "stress" when I didn't get them during one of the most stressful times I've had.

Then I went on progesterone, and lo and behold, hives. They aren't quite as bad, and they go away within 10-20 minutes instead of staying for 1-3 days. I brought it up to my doctor and he seems to think that I may be sensitive to hormones or that my levels are out of balance (which also may be why I can't get prego.). Of course he says that he hasn't seen the hives because of this before, but he said that doesn't mean that it can't happen.

My point is that maybe you should check your hormone balance. Three years is a long time to suffer...I totally feel for you. I hope you can beat this soon!

[nurse practitioner]

i recently began to break out in hives nightly  when i evaluated all of my foods i thought i was allergic to fish/shellfish  eliminated those and finally realized that I was allergic to the blue dye in my thyroid medication levoxyl  i changed meds and my m.d. put me on allegra and i haven't had hives since  check the labels on all of your medications and food to see if food dyes are a possible culprit.

[boninclyde]

Have had hives for almost four years now (November). Had ever test imaginable. Nothing. I always believed it was hormone related because they were worst 5/8 days before period and 5/8 days after period. Doctors said my hormone level was fine though. Some doctors said hives were caused by the very thing they were using to treat me with, predinisone.  Had shot in foot for some pain I was having. Broke out that night. I was also on celebrex. Its been 9 months since I have had any prednisone. Still have some hives but a lot less. Doctors said it takes about 10/12 months to get all prednisone out of the body. Waiting to see what happens next. By the way I was also told stress but I baried my father, father n law and brother n law with no hives.

[lazydog]

Hi.  Hives can be a symptom of thyroid dysfunction.  My son had chronic hives and I at first thought he was allergic to something...but turns out it hypothyroid related.
...J

[eirrod]

I have had chronic hives since 1992. I have tried EVERYTHING!!
I have totally stopped eating to see if that would help...no.
I tried cutting out and differentthings such as flowers,soap, laundry soap,shampoos,pets,sheets,only wear cotton. NOTHING works. I HAVE been to an allergist, she did soooo many tests I thought I was a human pin cushion. The ONLY time I get any relief is with a very strong dose of prednisone. ( Other steriods don't always work ) I have tried everything. I take 6 benedryl everyday. At least it helps witht he itching a little.
I swell to the point that I look abnormal. it could be my hands feet legs back head eyes mouth tongue, and they get into my throat. I cannot count how many times I have been taken to the ER because I cannot breathe. THey even get into my internal organs, ( I can feel them inside my stomache and chest ) I often get chest pains because my insides are swollen. What else can I do? I have gained almost 60 pounds from being on steroids.
I feel horrible! I also suffer from Fibro, spinal disk disease,migraines, etc. But it not the meds I take because I have not taken these meds the whole time, only since 2004. I am out of answers and so are my doctors. My hives not only itch but when I swell I swell to the point of severe pain. It feels like my skin is ripping open! Please help me!

[Music, Music, Music]

I battled chronic hives for a couple of years so I would love to help someone overcome it.  I had great results taking green tea tablets.  I don't feel that it was a coincidence, but I have scarcely had a single hive since I discovered this herbal remedy.  I have taken them now for two weeks with a good outcome.  Good luck, everyone!

[parabec]

I have to agree with the last post. since i started drinking green tea..3 cups a day..my hives had dissapeared...but since i stopped taking green tea due to trying to concieve (conceive) it has returned....so i think its more than a coincidence!
try it

[bluesgirl]

I am allergic to blue dye. Food, drug, cosmetics blue (FD&C). My allergist has never heard of it and I don't really know if she believes me. I used to break out in hives when I was exposed to blue dye topically. Then blue dye in foods and drugs started to bother me.  Now I get all of the classic anaphalactic symptoms; closing of the throat, gasping for air, swollen tongue, lips, etc. I have narrowed down the culprit myself by comparing ingredients of the things that give me the reaction, but I can't find another person locally that has the same problem.

[lou30]

I have had hives for 7 months now.  I have taken every anithistimine possible in conjunctions with other meds, I have been on steroids, seen allergist, had complete blood work up  with allergist and dermitoligist, had my hives biopsied.  Nothing has worked and the only test that came back slightly abnormal was an ANA test.  I have tried acupuncture and the herbal teas. Nothing.  My doctors are telling me that I need to find a way to just live with this, that at this point they will probably not go away.  They said possibly at the year make they may.  Does anyone have any suggestions for me?  They are constant. They do get better in the middle of the day, but then my meds wear off and they are big sometimes 3-4 inches around and I get the edema bad as well.  I also have hypothyroidism, but I am within range for that so they say there is no coorilation.

[harthame]

If you have chronic hives, you just may have a thyroid condition hyper or hypo thyroidism.  This can caus chronic hives.  I know I've lived with this. Control with antihistimines, get help for the thyroid, for example getting the proper amount of iodine in your diet might cure you, but keep in mind too much iodine can give you the same problems, even cause hyperthyroidism.  Eating wheat products/gluten can aggrevatate the condition.  The is a thyorid auto-immune connections to wheat/gluten problems.  Start with reading up on the web about iodine, which is in certain foods like shellfish and milk.  If you don't eat much of these you may be deficient, so eat these, and take bee pollen and multi-vitamins with iodine.  Start by removing wheat from diet and see if you have improvements.  For example I'm still taking anti histimines but fewer on days I dont eat wheat.  Search the net for wheat allergy/ thyroid together.  You will find more info.  Good luck and God bless

Kim

[Itchy]

I had my first battle with hives at 12 years old. Allergy testing didn't find the cause. After some time on steroids, they went away. The next bad episode was at 19. Same reaction, same results. Which brings me to now. I have broken out every day for the last 2 years. I tried changing soaps, detergents, changing my diet, monitoring my stress level with break outs. You name it; I tried it. And to make things worse, I can't be allergy tested until I stay off all allergy medications for a week. I've rescheduled twice already. The longest I've made it without meds was 3 days. PLEASE HELP! The steriods helped but only for a few days. Any sugestions?

[Vickik]

I have been getting these for a year and a half and they have progressively gotten worse. I been on on every med and off my regular. No relief. I started taking Green Tea Saturday. Hoe long should you give this to know if it will help?

[A friend who cares]

Hi!  Wow, I found so many comments about chronic hives.  I thought I was alone.  I have suffered with hives, usually starting in the evening and through the night for 7 years now.  I would like to share that I have used "Aller-chlor", a liquid antihistamine, on a nightly basis, only 2 teaspoons full and that will usually get me through the night.  On a bad night, I will have to take 2 more teaspoons, which is okay every 4 hours.  I have just found a place on-line that sells this "magic potion".  It is Alleon Pharmacy.  It is just over $2.25 per bottle (4 oz.).  Another thing that helps me is to submerge the "itchy" part of my body in very cold water.  I have definitely noticed my hives are worse before my monthly cycle.  My OBGYN confirmed that "everything" is worse before that time of the month.  I hope this information helps.

[boninclyde]

I haven't posted in a while but still watching this board to see if anyone comes up with something. November will be 5 years of hives for me. Daily.

[Ladykm]

I have had hives for four months now. It all started when i put some sun tan lotion on and went out in the sun. I thought i had sunburn on my thighs because my thigs got all red and swollen. WEll the next morning I woke up and had hives all over. I went to the doctor and they told me to take some bendryl. Well, that didnt work and finally in August I went to see the doctor again and she referred me to a allergist. The allergist gave me prednisone(steroids), Allegra, Doxepin for the hives, and a acid reducer. None of this has worked and nobody can figure out why i have these hives. I get them all over the place..my scalp, face, arms, legs, feet, ack, chest. My feet and hands get swollen too. Also, somedays when I wake up my lips are swollen. The itching gets worse at night. I do notice the Allegra does help with the itching a little. Does anyone have any other remedies? I have yet to take a allergy test though because I was told by the allergist the medicine needs to be out of my system for a week and i need to be hive-free. Well how can this happen when i have them everyday!? I give up. This is really horrible. Then they say try to decrease your stress levels. Well how can I do this when the itching causes me so much stress and anxiety. Some days I can't even concentrate at work.

[Odi]

I haven't heard anyone talk about the danger in taking steroids.  Prednisone in particular, seems like this is commonly prescribed.  I am in my third bout with hives; first 10 years ago, second 3 years and now.  As usuale I was prescribed steroids.  They go away and come back after the regiment is done..daa! And sometimes worse than they were to begin with.  When I returned to my doctor after breaking out (the steroids were done) she prescribed another dose, gave me a shot and also told me I was diabetic.  Just had to do more blood work and sent me home.  I had no meds for being diabetic because she wanted to see the results of the A1C test.  I got a glucose meter and started testing myself immediately.  I had taken 3 does of the steroids at this time...when I did my blood sugar it was 268!  It should be around 110.  I freaked and suddenly remebered that my grandson (who is type 1 diabetic) can't take steroids.  I pulled out the advise sheet from the prednisone and sure enought, there it was, do not take if you are diabetic.  Now what was I to do.  Called the doc immediately and the nurse would not verify that steroids make the blood sugar go high.  I told her I was going to blow up between high blood sugar if I kept taking the prescribed dose.  My blood sugar stayed high until the next day when the doctor finally prescribe Medforin.  When I took that the blood sugar went down but when I took the steroid it went up.  So I decided to take them together and started redusing the steroids at my own rate.  Just couldn't take them for 3 weeks.  Wound down in a week and my blood sugar levels were normal.  The the hives came back with a rampage.  I starter Zertec and Hydroxizine but they hives got progressily worse and of course at night time; "why" in the H... do they come back so bad at night? Then I started oding on Zertec and Hydroxizine.  Woke up like a zomby with high blood sugar again.  This time I had an appointment with the dermotolgist (probably the 100th derm dr I have seen since this all started way back when...even went to Duke Univerysity Hospital, no help there either.  The dermotologist told me she doesn't prescribe steroids...just to hard on the body.  My treatment should continue on antihistimines and Hydroxizine.  She changed me to Alegra twice a day along with the Hroxizone.  Since then, one week ago, I have seen the Endrocrynolgist and was told that I might have steroid induced diagetes.  Yikes!  Why did my internist give me steroids and tell me I was diabetic all in the same visit?  Please look up steroids on the web and see all the things that can happen when taking this terrible drug.  Best of luck to all of you and I will be reading the comments as they come in.  Best to all...Odi

[campermom]

I have battled hives since February 07, so 5 months now.  I have tried everything, seen doctors, tried not eating certain foods, changed all soaps and lotions I come in contact with even switched makeup.  Nothing works.  Allegra worked for awhile but I think I'm immune to it now... I read online that Splenda or Sucralose can be the culprit.  I'm going to try to cut it out of my diet so we'll see.  
Im also going to try the green tea, I'll try anythign at this point!!  Thanks for the info.  It helps knowing that I'm not the only one experiencing these nasty things!  I can't imagine how bad I'll look in a bathing suit this summer!  

[Katnel]

I am soo glad that I am not the only one who has these HORRIBLE things. I have been getting them about 2-3 times a year ever since 2005. But they last for weeks!!! It's funny to me that there are soo many people who have this but none of the 500 doctors I've been to have a clue!!! I get mine all over my body EVERYWHERE! They calm down during the day but as it gets closer to bed time they get worse and worse......I don't know what to do anymore!!!

[itchme]

WOW! I am a new comer to the whole hives epidemic!  suffering everyday now for the past 6 weeks.  I had no idea this was so common!  I have all the common symptoms such as hives / welts on my legs, butt, arms, stomach, back, neck, shoulders, face, feet, hands (even my palms and bottoms of my feet) and scalp. I get severe chest pains, severe swelling of my feet and face (lips, eyes, throat, tongue etc.) and soreness in the joints.  I find it particularly suspicious that these things come at night and, for me, are worst first thing in the morning when I wake up and get out of bed.  Within minutes of getting out of bed in the morning the severe itching begins.  The body goes from restful state to an active state and blood circulation begins to pick up and the hives / welts get most puffy, itchy and uncomfortable in the first few hours of activeness.  Like many posts have described the itchy irritation eases up by midday but returns as usual by night time.  I believe heat is a catalyst for the reaction and that there is a definite connection between the breakouts and sleep.  One doctor told me that your body undergoes over a hundred different chemical reactions exclusively at night when your body is sleeping. However my experience with doctors so far is that they focus on treating the symptoms first and THEN try to figure out what the cause is.  But as is my case it sounds like the doctors can't even figure out how to treat the sypmtoms and may very well never get around to figuring out the cause. We are all on our own in that pursuit and we must continue to communicate our findings and failures to each other.  I am starting a journal today and will record things on a daily basis such as what foods I eat, what liquids I drink, exposure to sunlight, menstrual cycle info, sleep cycle info etc.  One thing that may be of interest though is that I started drinking diet pop for the first time in my life only a few months ago so this will be one of the first things that I eliminate from my diet.  Also, I started taking vitamins regularly for the first time in my life about 6 months ago.  The doc's told me to terminate the use of all vitamins as they sometimes contain "fillers" (substances that hold the tablets together) and that some people are allergic to these fillers.  I stopped taking vitamins 2 weeks ago.  Well wish me luck!  If I make any miraculous discoveries / medical break throughs I will certainly keep you all posted.
Trina

[jlwwoollffee]

I had hives, chronic hives, 15 years ago to the month.  The drs could never figure out what was wrong then, I have them again, not nearly as bad, but if I would have let them go and didnt see a dr or take anything, they would have gotten out of control.  I have a feeling this is going to be a long road again this time.  I am under a great deal of stress, without any real break from it, but Im also going to look at everything I eat.  Its no fun at all.  I have been on steroids now for 4 days and for the most part they have cleared up, come back at night, but I take my antihistamine and then they colm down again. Hope fully I can find the right combination for these!!!

[Born Free]

I believe I have Chronic Hives.  I don't get them every day, however somtimed I'll get them everyday and sometimes I'll go a couple weeks.  When I do get hives I get them ONLY on my torso,chest , arms, hands and sometimes the tops of my feet.   (Knock on wood) I have never gotten them on my face. Once, right when I started geting hives (2002-present) I did go into a anaphalaxis state, where my throat started to closed up I wnet to the ER and got epinepherin shot.  It's more of a nusaince then anything!  I seem to get them when I am hot, cold, anxious, angry, sweaty or stressed.  Like I said, I can't really pin point it to any one particular trigger.  It lasts for a couple of hours and with Benadryl (they have these new quick disollving strips that work great!  mmm Vanilla Mint) will subside.  I am checking with my doctor for blood tests and thyroid count.  The weirdest thing is I NEVER experienced hives during the whole 9 months of pregnancy!  So for 5 years I have had occasional, but increasingly frequent, hive breakouts with the only exception being the 9  months I was pregnant!! What's up with that?  Is this still safe to classify as Chronic Hives?
Thanks,
Born Free

[baby_blu]

When I read your comment, it totally hit home.  Although with me, I didn't start getting the hives until after I gave birth.  I was in perfect health, then, BAM!  Hives!  Everyday, since November of '04.  I also use benedryl to calm the itching, but I may end up taking 8 - 10 of those a day.  Might I recommend "Claritin For Hives" which is also sold over- the - counter.   I found that just one of those every 8 hours or so will do the trick.  Also, try a cup of green tea in the morning.  These are just a few things that have worked for me.

[Itchy eyelids]

I am new to this situation. I have been suffering from hives that occur ONLY on my eyelids. Finally experienced difficulty breathing and went to ER where they gave me an IV with prednizone. Cleared up immediatley. Now what? Am seeing an allergist Wednesday. They have discovered that nail polish exacerbates the problem. So is anyone seeing relief from Allegra?

[health momma]

I definitely will start drinking green tea.  I started breaking out in hives this past feb.  For 3 months in a row at the start of my period I would break out on my face, neck and shoulders.  My face starts to tingle at first, then gradually itch and then it's fully on.  I am red, swollen and blotchy.  Like  lots of people, I've gotten skin tested for everything, get acupuncture, take herbs, eliminated known allergens, try to decrease my stress, etc.  I had a 2 month reprieve from them and then it happened again.  I just broke out yesterday and decided to not take prednisone.  That steroid scares me and I am trying to get pregnant.  This feels out of control.  Has anyone else experienced hives at the onset of their period?

[teresa36]

im 36 years old and i have had hives for the last 9 months they start 2 days before my period and end 2or3 days after.They are large and very itchy someone please help if you can

[Hunterzmommy]

I had the mysterious hives every stinkin' day for over a year, and they usually only happened at night or early in the morning.  Got to the point where I'd lose sleep over them.  And let me tell you, some of those hives showed up in places that no woman should ever have to scratch!  (can I get an amen!?)  Only Fexofenadine (Allegra?) would help, and then not completely.    My doctors didn't know why this was happening and my allergist was quite content to write them off as idiopathic urticaria.  THEN I happened to develop a goiter and was diagnosed with hashimoto's thyroiditis.  Thanks to the internet was able to put the two conditions together.   I pointed out to my doctor that there were a lot of folks online who believed that hives are very common in autoimmune thyroid problems, but still got a skeptical response.   I'm thankful that after my synthroid dosage was increased to 150 mcg a day, the hives have stopped.    I need to write my allergist a letter letting him know what if he gets another patient like myself, that he should suspect a thyroid issue before he just writes her off...

So even if you aren't a hyroid patient, if you suggest to your doctor that he/she could run a quick (relatively) cheap test to see if your hives are autoimmune related...maybe you'll find some relief?

Sometimes women have thyroid issues during or shortly after pregnancy -- so I can see how period hives could happen too.

Good luck to you all!

[kstajko1]

I have had hives for 2 years. It drives me crazy. My body gets worse with benedryl and other antihistamines. They get worse a week before my period. I can not remember my last hiveless day I don't know how you all live with it with no answers. I can't concentrate on my school work cause I'm so itchy. They are EVERYWHERE feet, legs, butt, back, chest, stomach, neck, hand, arms. Its burns sometimes, they're huge welts sometimes and sometimes there are jsut millions little red dots under my skin. I think I look like a monster! I don't have any relief ever and every doctor says dont scratch but you can only be tchy so many days in a row without scratching! What do I do? The allergist decided i;m allergic to living in laymen terms. water, wind, sun etc. my dermatologist said its streess. my family doctor doesnt care and refuses to test for anything else. What do I do??? These things are going to dive me CRAZY

[nadj_80]

I don't have any solutions here but wanted to just say "Phew!" It's happening to other people out there too!! I've been dealing with hives since October of 2007...not every day, bouts of about 1 months on/off and then I haven't had them again until this week. Hives everywhere...EVERYWHERE...the chest tightening (which I was glad to hear someone else had, because I wasn't sure it was related) and I also get a severe cough too, very heavy and hard cough, but then it goes away in the morning along with the hives....weird. I've also had many cases of the swolen face...Angelina Jolie lips, Silvester Stallone eyelids...it's crazy. My boyfriend and I have learned to laugh about it now...telling him that he hits me in his sleep and to look what he's done...but in all seriousness, it's frustrating.
I went to an allergist who didn't even think it necessary to do an allergy test and said that I had some long word of a diagnosis meaning that it's linked to my hypothyroidism and that my immune system is weakened and therefore my body's way of dealing with stress is hives and the swelling. That's it. That's all she told me. Take Claritin so it won't make you sleepy...don't take Ibuprofin because it might be a cause of hives or at least might make them worse. But other than that, I felt she just told me "alright, well...that's all I have for you. Good luck"

So here I am again...home, not with friends, because I have hives everywhere and feel like a monster. ugh!!

So I do wish you all the best, know that you're not alone! Let's pray that some wonderful doctor finds a cure for this!

[TT08]

CAn someone decribe what your hives look like. I was diagnosed with eczema back in 2001 but since over the past year I am breaking out almost everyday in welts, stomach, arms, chest, back, legs but never my face. The are extremly itching and red raised areas and on my back there are small bumps along with redness.  

[hyon]

your description sounds like hives. mine aren't always "welts", but sometimes look like bug bites. i'm pretty sure eczema looks more like a rash.  you can google images of hives and see what it looks like vs eczema.

[TT08]

As of dec my back gets this red spots that do look like bug bites, and as they go away the area seems a little darker than my skin. I will look up!

Thanks

[SaNDYdANDY655]

Well, misery loves company I suppose, and so I take a bit of solace at seeing others in my same boat, not because I would wish these hives on anyone, but to know that Im not alone.

I had chronic hives at the age of 18 that lasted one year and for which I was hospitalized 3 times.  Never came to any conclusions other than they told me I had systemic Lupus, but it wasn't active nor causing the hives.

Now it's 32 years later and after started a regimine of Celebrex and plaquenil for joint problems three weeks ago, I have the hives back with a vengence.  On every area of my body, bright red welts.  THe doctor told me she thought it was the Celebrex or the plaquenil, so I stopped taking that over a week ago. . . no improvement in the hives.  

I wonder if it was the celebre or plaquenil, why did it take three weeks to cause the hives?  Have any of you had a delayed reaction like that?

My heart goes out to each of you.  I know the frustrations you all feel.  I have green tea and will try drinking it, although the one thing I had really changed in my diet before this happened was I gave up coffee and had been drinking lots of cups of herbal tea a day, so it got me wondering if it could be the tea causing the problem.

Any insights anyone has on this delayed reaction from a drug or how long this could last could be so so helpful because I'm starting to panic a bit thinking about when I was 18.

By the way, the whole stress thing I don't buy because throughout the most stressful periods of my life I was hive free.  Right now I am under the least stress I've been in 25 years, and boom. . . so don't put added pressure on yourself if they tell you it's stress because my experience has taught me that' not the case.

Thanks everyone

[junipered]

I have been getting hives for the last 3 years now and they are getting progressivly worse everytime they come back. there is no set pattern that can clue me in to the cause. they tend to start showing up at night and get worse all day long. I have tried not eating I have tried vitamins I have tried sitting in a hot tub ( very bad idea)!!! I have taken steroids they work for a bit then the hives are back sometimes when I am still taking the steroids. I have recently been leaning towards mold as the culprit in at least some of my hives because I had some start up one day recently and when I got home from work I decided to change cloths and see if that helped. well within an hour of putting on new underwear my waistline was covered with new small hive just waiting to explode. I promptly took of the underwear and washed the area and they started to go away within an hour. this got me onto the washing machine. Once I looked into the tub and into the fabric softner dispenser closer I discovered dark almost black slimy stuff. at once I was cleaning it up but it is almost impossible to get al this stuff out from between the tub and the outside tub liner. I have filled it up with 180 deg water 4 times and a half gallon of bleach each time ran it over and over and there is still stuff coming out when I look in after doing laundry. this stuff is pasty like ground up wax ( I would say this is from fabric softner) So this stuff would also stick to your clothes thru the dryer and keep the problem going. also all of your bed clothes, under wear, wash cloths, towels, etc goes thru the same place on a regular basis, ( the washer). anyhow I am going to try and clean this thing out a few more times and if all else fails I will buy a new washer and see if this get's rid of these maddening hives. hope this helps someone.

[Marsh7]

Does anyone get hives all over accompanied with a fever, chills, aches, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue?  No one mentions that too.  During a bad outbreak, I will run a fever for 5 days with it spiking at almost 104.  I feel terrible.  

[queenofhives]

I've had hives X 17 years, every day. Seeing a dermatologist now. Recommended to avoid wine tomatoes, strawberries, spices, ibuprofen, aspirin and alleve.All my blood work was normal except slightly low albumin and slightly elevated IGE. Currently taking zantac, zyrtec, clarinex, singulair and atarax every day and still getting hives. Due to see derm again 28th. If I find anything helps I will update. I think I'll try green tea.

[Sykxx]

Yes!  I do get the fever feeling, chills, weakness, fatigue..etc... I tried to explain it to others, but they don't understand.  Mostly, I get the fever feeling when I'm totally broke out all over!  I think it's because our bodies are fighting as if we have a virus or something.  

I've been getting these horrid hives for five years now, Cyclosporene worked incredibly for the first three weeks, then it seems like my body has become immune to it.  

I'm going to try the Green Tea that everyone's talking about.  I wonder how they're all doing on it??

Best of luck.

[junipered]

I finally found out what my problem was. after years of misery and doctor after doctor and desperatly trying everything and blaming everything but  no relief. It turns out that it was a wisdom tooth. yes a wisdom tooth,one  that never really gave me any problems. this tooth still had a bit of gum growing over the back of it and aparently bits of food and other debris had gotten into it and there was the problem. I discovered this quite by accident ( that this was the source of the hives) as I bought a water pic and started using it, by the next day the hives had all but disapeared! Now mind you you probably think that I have poor oral hygiene and that is what my problem was, but that is not the case as I brush 2x a day, floss 2-3x a week and use listerine daily. I only have 1 cavity that was from my teenage years. I never had bad breath from this tooth and I also never had any pain! but when I flushed it out with water, some very nasty bloody stuff came out and caught my attention. I never thought about it being related to the hives.  anyhow 2 weeks now and not a single hive. I hope that this may help some of you. It is possible to have infection in your body that isn't obvious to anyone. My white blood count has always been normal and for the most part I have felt pretty good, except for hive related issues.  

[mrspotter]

are any of you on the contraceptive pill? this gave me hives. as soon as i came off it i was fine. i tried 5, they all gave me hives. now i am pregnant and i get them because of the hormones (same as pill) so i am convinced this is the cause of lots of people who suffer. doctors and midwifes don't know about it i find!

[Annette01]

I too came to the conclusion that my hives were a result of my hormones, and none of the doctors I went to felt that there was a connection. I got them from taking birth control (after 10yrs of taking them), and I got them after I had my 2nd child. For me, it helped to get off of the pills entirely at first. Then, I got them again worse than ever for months. I read Dr. Lee's book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause." I read it even though I am only 37, because it is about hormone balance. I began taking natural progesterone morning and night along with Vitex and other vitamins and anti-oxidants. (See my previous post.) Thank God, I no longer have them.

[Annette01]

From reading Dr. Lee's book, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" (really more of a general guide to hormone balance), I have said good riddance to my hives by doing the following:

1) Use a Natural Progesterone Cream morning and night
2 )Drink more water
3) Take anti-oxidants such as green tea tabs & 8000-1000mg of Vit C
4) 400 IUs of Vit E twice a day
5) 500 mg Flaxseed oil twice a day
6) Take a Multivitamin
7) Take 500mg of Quercetin with Bromelain twice a day.
8) Take Vitex morning and night
9) Take 500mg of Magnesium at bedtime
10) eliminated MILK from my diet--my worst episodes were always after I drank a glass of it or ate ice cream; I can still have cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. Dr. Lee explains in his book that an inflamed and aggravated system will allergically react to milk.

It took a few weeks, but my hives are practically gone. I only take one chlorotab and one Loratidine at night to keep the lingering ones at bay.

Another tip: You can get Natural Progesterone Cream at most health food stores.The cheapest that I have found is the 4oz Lifeflo brand at $20.00 on the Swanson's website (they also have Vitex for $2.99 a bottle).Get the type of Progesterone Cream in a pump as the type in a jar deteriorates in the presence of oxygen. Use the cream (not oral tabs) that contains around 500mg per ounce. Good Luck. I have felt so sorry for so many of these members because I also suffered so greatly. Don't let anyone tell you that there is not an answer or to wait it out. What I am doing may not help you, but there is an answer. God Bless.

[iamtheone39]

Boy,I don't feel alone...I had my first dose of hives about 5days ago.  It all started at 3am on a Thursday.  I had my first set of hives on my buttocks,then when I awoke there were also hives under my arms and on my eyelids. I went into the ER and they gave me what became my daily fix of predisone,benedryl,and some other shot in my arm. It would help for about 8-10hrs and then start right back up in a different place. I was then prescribed a larger dose of predisone about10mg,but the hives never left. I saw a Allergist today and apparently he just wanted another visit so neglected to do my 60pin test and just prescribed prescription Clariton,and gave me some sample pills that supposed to last 24hrs and they melt in your mouth...still didnt get rid of the hives though. I am frustrated and from reading these posts..we are all prescribed the same "quick fixes" but NO resolutions. Is there anyone on this medical planet doing any research to find something that actually gets rid of the hives? I am wondering if they are like the tire companies that refuse to make tire that lasts forever....

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Hives are red, itchy welts or swellings on the skin that often come in clusters.In doctor speak, hives are known as "urticaria."
Hives can appear anywhere on the body, cropping up either in one small area or covering large patches of skin. They most often occur as part of an allergic reaction. No one lesion lasts more than 24 hours, but new ones may continue to appear until the condition resolves. About one out of four people will get hives at least once in their lives.Hives are often caused by a hypersensitivity to:
•Foods (commonly eggs, shellfish, nuts, berries, dyes, or other additives)
•Drugs (any drug can touch off an allergic reaction, although allergies to penicillin, sulfa, and aspirin are especially common)
•Pollens and plants (nettles, poison ivy, poison oak, and so on)
•Animal fur
•Insect bites or stings
•Exposure to heat, cold, or sunshine.
For people with chronic hives, the simpler treatments may not keep outbreaks under control. Typically, chronic hives go away on their own, whether you treat them or not. About half of all chronic cases clear up within a year, though some cases can take as long as five years.
People with recurring problems should take special precautions.
Eliminating foods or other triggers that cause you to break out is the key to preventing hives. If you don't know what causes your hives, keep a diary of what you eat as well as what you do each day and what medications and other products you use. Allergy testing can also be helpful.
Ref:http://www.myonlinewellness.com/topic/hivestreatment.

[MichelleD563]

I have had severe cronic (chronic) hives and swelling for 19 years (since I was 7 years old).  Like many of you I went to dozens of allergy doctors who turned up nothing.  At one time I was taking 8 benadryl a day in addition to several other medications.  I would have hives everyday and swell which made me frequently have to miss school or work.

Finally a couple of years ago I desperatly needed a new perspecive and went to an alternative medicine doctor.  He suggested a vegan diet (no meat, dairy or eggs) with as little processed foods as possible.  Since going vegan I have reduced my medication to only 1/2 a benadryl occasionally, and that is usually when I have slipped up and eatten something with dairy or eggs.   I found milk to be the biggest culprit even though tests said that I was not "allergic".

Try it and do some research on a vegan diet.  The China Study is a good book to start.  When the body is so unhealthy from the food we eat it reacts in a bad way (hives).  

Hope this will give you the relief it gave me.

[MichelleD563]

Also..

Give your new diet at least 30 days.  It will take the body that long to rid itself of all of the bad things you have been eatting for years.

Vegan was great for me.  I hated being so drugged up all of the time.

[itchyRN]

Knowing there are so many people suffering with Hives for long periods at least lets me know I'm not alone but also dashes my hopes that these will not last years!!  Hives started 8 weeks ago, went through all the testing, 4 different doctors, allergy testing ( no allergies) and a multitude of meds. Currently finishing the first week of Cyclosporin.  Benadryl use now is of little value. I haven't had a hive free day in 8 weeks except after a Cortisone shot ( effects last 24 hours) or a 13 day course of Prednisone ( day 14 they were back)  Won't take more Prednisone, not good in  the long run.
I have been trying to find info on Cyclosporin use for hives.  I was told in high doses and long periods  of use it can cause kidney/liver problems.  Can't find out what is high doses and long period.  Allergist told me I'd need to take this 6 mo to calm my immnue system that has for an unknown reason gone out of whack!  I do hvae two auto immune disorders: hashimoto's thyroiditis and Vitiligo.  Since my thyroid levels have mostly been in control,Dr's have dismissed that as the trigger.
I will try green tea as I've read several of the posts mention that.
I will continue toread the posts and thanks for sharing any ideas.  I am a nurse and had no idea so many people suffered with an affliction that medicine 80% of the time cannot find a cause for!!!

[Annette01]

See my May 18th post. The first time I had hives, they lasted 1 1\2 yrs. I stopped taking birth control, and they were immediately better although it took a couple of weeks to get the stuff out of my system. I got them again after my daughter was 9 months old. I was miserable for about 3 months. Convinced that my hormones were partly to blame (my doctor is still not convinced of this), I began using a Natural Progesterone cream. The hives were better almost immediately and continued to improve. I have been virtually hive-free now for about  5 months even without antihistamines. I also took some other supplements that you will find in the above post. However, when I take the necessary week off from the cream, the hives will start to come back. I also notice that drinking milk will trigger some symptoms so I mainly have to use soy. Good luck!

[margypops]

I have just read all these posts as I am a sufferer of 8 weeks ,it has come to me that there are a ton of cases of Hives around LA and California in General, can Hives be caused by a virus? some of the members dont put where they live, it is Hot hwere and I know it doesnt help but it definatly didnt start them. Dental Work may have  in my case ,I ,had tooth extracted  and a root canal, is it the Numbing agent Nova caine or Lidacaine or the stuff they put in the root canal or Latex gloves , on searching I see you can ask for gloves that are made of a non allergic stuff.thses are big welts and they Burn ,I tried Hydroxyline anti histimine after 10 days the itching eased a bit but nthen I got Horrible pains like it was a Gall bladder attack,so stopped them, So that is my Horrible Hive Story!!

[mummykk]

Hi

Chanced upon this thread while searching for hive treatment for my 6yrs old boy.

Will definitely try out those tips and hopefully can relieve my son from the suffering for the past 6 months.

Thanks alot

[happycook]

I'm so sorry for everyone's suffering.  I understand as I've had hives now for five months.  They only time they went away and I had relief was on a huge dose of prednisone.  I was feeling healthy when they began back in April.  I also started getting chills, shooting pains in my toes, a very sore thoat, & swollen lymph glands.  I developed a sinus infection which has been treated now with an antibiotic and an antifungal  (CT scan shows it's clear).  After finishing the prednisone, my hives come back with a vengeance.  I'm never without them!  I've scratched so that I have sores on me.  I take so many antihistamines and ranitidine to no avail.  I take a thyroid med for hypothyroidism (have for years) and recent tests show it in normal range.  I can no longer eat high histamine foods or salicylate foods or I will swell up and hive up like crazy.  I'm a "foodie" so this has been difficult to follow.  My labs show I do not have any food allergies and my doctor says something has triggered this hypersensitivity to food. I did have hives 10 years ago after my hysterectomy.  I had them for 18 months.  A naturopath discovered that I had C. Difficile (easily picked up in hospitals) and several oppportunistic parasites.  I took several meds and did a parasite cleanse.  To my amazement my hives went a way and I did not have them for 10 years!!  But now, that doesn' seem to be the case.  My Allergist/Immunologist and naturopath cannot find a direct cause but they do say I have many "triggers".  The fact that I had them before is one, thyroid, and sinus infection. I did go to the dentist for a checkup just in case, nothing.  I had the serum autoimmune test where my own plasma was injected under my skin to see if I would react and it was negative.  However, at this time my doctor is offering me cyclosporin anyway.  Has anyone tried it?  I've googled it and its side effects sound scary.  I want to get on with my life so I'm beginning to get desperate enought to try anything.  I'm living on zyrtec & benedryl at night and claritin and ranitidine during the day.  My brain has turned into a sieve!  And I always have puffy eyes and I'm just drying up.  AND I still have horrible itchy hives.    H. Pylori tests and other parasite tests are negative.  I recently found an article about fish oil on drugs.com.  I had googled "fish oil and hives" looking for any connection with supplements I take.  I started taking that about a year ago.  It can cause hives!  Those with thyroid disorders probably should not take fish oil.  Of course, other sites go on and on about how great it is.  Anyone with any thoughts?

[Annette01]

Please see my May 18th post for what has helped me. Along with the Natural progesterone cream, I also take Ester- C, and probiotics. Mine seem to be hormone related, but by the grace of God, they are controlled using these supplements. I usually only have to take one Loritab at night, but at one time, they were so bad, I could barely leave the bed as I could not bear for clothes to touch me. I hope this helps.

[happycook]

Thanks for your comments.  I did go back and read your May 18th post.  I had Dr. Lee's book...bought it years ago after my hysterectomy so I pulled it out today and I'm reading it again.  I've used progesterone cream over the years but just once a day.  I've taken probiotics for years also.  I'm going to study your other supplements and leave any dairy out of my diet.  My diet stinks anyway with leaving out salicylate & high histamine foods so it will be hard leaving another food out.  My naturopath has me taking extra B vitamins, fish oil (I just stopped), magnesium glycinate, Calcium citrate, CoQ10, Quercetin, whole foods multivitamin.  I've had heartburn this year more than ever and have found a connection with hives and insufficient hydrochloric acid in my research.   Will study that more and back off the ranitidine.  Thanks for your help and any more information you can pass on.    

[Annette01]

That is funny that you say that about the heartburn because sometimes I get that too although now it seems that if I am about to get a really bad outbreak, my chest will start to hurt. That is my signal to go ahead and take an anti histamine. Now if something really upsets me, or if I am worried about something, an attack may occur. I am still convinced that it is related to hormones because they will also occur around my cycle so I really need to be tested for hormone levels as I still don't seem to have balance. I also took the ranitidine, but as Dr. Lee explained in the book, it depletes your body of calcium faster than you can ever put it in. Soy milk (there are different kinds) is actually a pretty good alternative to milk, and other forms of dairy do not seem to bother me as badly. What is hydrochloric acid?

[happycook]

Hydrochloric acid is our natural stomach acid that aids in digestion.   It seems, according to Dr. Lee's book, that symptoms for either not having enough or having too much are the same.  I'm only taking the ranitidine stomach acid reducer at night right now.  That's when my heartburn is bad. It can keep me up, it's so painful.  (My hives seem to get worse at night too) Without stomach acid it's hard for our bodies to digest and absorb proper vitamins and minerals for our bodies to function right.  I've read that 65% of chronic hives sufferers have low hydrochloric acid levels and when they add Betaine HCI, the hives go away.  However, it has to be done carefully, or you can make matters worse, stomach bleeding, ulcer, etc.  So I'm not ready for that yet.  I'm still trying to piece everything together as far as the relationship to hives.  I've googled "low stomach acid and hives" and found lots of info.  

[margypops]

I am another sufferer, goodness there are tons of us are'nt there plus we ones we havent heard from, I got Chronic Urticaria and Dermographism(thats another nasty little twist on Hives) after Dental work in May, I was given high doses for pain of Advil, and also Penicillin, they used Nova caine and I even am told the Materials in root canals can cause it, so I have at least a few allerganons there could have triggered it, the heat doesnt help ,but didnt start it. I find the Docs around wher I live Know nothing they say they treat Allergys (allergies), I was offered Prednisone but said no Thanks as I had that once and the side effects were awful,the anti histimine Hydroxyzine (also used for other things) made me sick and I had an attack like a Gall Bladder attack form it, iread up Hydoxyzine can trigger viral infection.So here I am researching all Natural Remedies I can I still have it and the itch on my scalp drives me nuts, I have a couple of swollen Lymph nodes also, the itching isnt as bad as it was a few weeks ago,but it flares up for nothing, mostly round my neck now,its funny the way it goes around the Body have you noticed that, one arm, one leg, then back again.always my scalp but at presant tops of my arms are Hive Free, so guys lets keep going I read it all up avidly for some sense , its not Hormones in my case at least I hope it isnt I think they have all gone!!!

[Annette01]

When I first started getting them, it was always on either side of my neck. The weirdest thing was that I would often get them bilaterally. For instance, it would be on both knees or both wrists or on either thigh. Mine usually start around 1AM, worsen through the night, and begin to recede around 10AM which means I do not sleep well. It is not my bedding because this also happens when I am out of town. Mine are getting worse again and are following the same pattern. I have recently been under some added stress, but you would think that I am my most calm when I am asleep. I would like to get help, but what is so frustrating is that I have had repeated batteries of tests/blood work done by a variety of doctors such as dermatologists, gynecologists, endocrinologists, etc. Nothing shows up, and no one has any answers. I had a good break from the hives the first time after I went off birth control, and they went away the second time after I began taking the progesterone, but now they are back. I have also read that the Japanese have researched and found  a connection between candidas and hives. Thank you for the information happycook. I will look into the hydrochloric acid suggestion.

[happycook]

I haven't written in a few days as I've really been sick.  Bad reaction to another antibiotic that my doctor wanted to try....high dose of metronidazole.  It really caused excruciating stomach pain and I could not finish the round. When I started the drug I had hives constantly no matter what I ate or how many antihistamines I took.  BUT now they seem to be going away!  I can't believe it and am praying this works.  I itched so intensely and scratched so that I had sores popping up and they are now healing.  My doctor thinks I may have some amoebic bacteria that's making me hypersensitive and high doses of this antibiotic will kill it.  None of my tests have shown any parasites, etc., but he thought I should try it before starting cyclosporin.  Margypops....early on when I first starting getting hives back in April, my scalp would itch so bad it would burn like someone had set my head on fire (around 2:30 in the morning) Impossible to sleep.  I knew I was reacting to salicylate foods but discovered that salicylates were also in my shampoo and conditioner I was using.  I went to the health food store and bought new hair stuff and guess what....when I switched the intensity of the itch stopped that very night!  So check your shampoo, soaps, and body lotions! I was using Crabtree and Evelyn products and it was listed right in the ingredients.  I will let you know if the hives continue to go away since this antibiotic.  Maybe this will work for someone else.

[ItchyAnkle]

I had acupuncture done 2 years ago because I've been so hot all my life and that was suppose to help. I noticed this summer that I didn't suffer from the heat as much as other years. But I got an Itchy Ankle where one of the needles had been put and blood had spirted out at least twice. So I scratched and scratched until it was raw. The scratching doesn't helps, just makes it so sensitive. I've done only natural stuff for this, like rubbing on Caster Oil or Glycerine or Olive Oil and Charcoal poltices. That's what I should have been doing the last couple of nights and haven't as I've been lazy and suffered. Charcoal is dirty but after a few nights of the poltices it gives relief. I mix the charcoal powder with olive oil and put it inbetween the unbleached coffee filters place it on my ankle and hold it in place with that Glad Press'n Seal Plastic Wrap (wished there was something else to hold it in place) but honest Charcoal is good, check out the web site on charcoal poltices. Stress and food alergies (allergies) make it itch. Please give this a try and comment after a week or two.

[margypops]

You know it has been horrible on my scalp the itching but I think you are right I have been terrible at getting the food part of it sorted out but I have noticed ,lke today It has been worse and I know I over ate sugary stuff the last day or two I also woke with a headache, I have tried to get shampoos without anything in them My hair is like a scarecrows, what with my skin and my Hair I wont need a Halloween costume the kids will run away screaming!!Anyone what hypo Allergenic shampoos and conditioners are there ansd shower gel, PLease

[margypops]

I did wonder about Thyroid but I am so scared to go to any Doc any more having had so many usless Drugs given me and they simply have no ideas, and misdiagnosing, I know there are good Physicians out there I havent found one where I live.I really cant face more of that aswell I have to do my own research. The hives and the Dermographism I was getting on my Arms has gone I seem to get it mostly round my neck area now. I have found Aloe Vera Gel from Trader Joes good and soothing.

[Annette01]

    Finally! I have again gotten some relief -although I am not exactly sure to what I owe it since I changed several things at once. I have probably misspelled several of these, but you can get the general idea:
1) My facial wash had salicylic acid so I stopped using it.
2) I also put away the Kosher salt and began using one with iodine (with the thought that my hives might thyroid related-though it has checked out okay).
3) I am taking 2000mg of B-12 and 250mg of B-5 (Pantheolic)

      I also tried to work from a gastrointestinal standpoint since I have been reading some things on autotoxicity and yeast in the digestive system that may be linked to hives.
3) I began drinking one Danactive a day
4) I started back taking a good (15-50 billion) probiotic capsule
5) I started taking an acidophilus capsule again
6) I have used detox foot pads and Oregenol drops once

    This is probably where the relief comes in- As you probably know, hives sufferers have more success with combining a histimine 1 (H1) blocker such as Zytec AND an H2 blocker such as Zantac. So now I take one Zyrtec (the generic OTC form) and 150mg of Zantac (raniditine is the generic). I have felt great for three days, and last night they were gone.

I know what it is to suffer with these things-they have brought me to shed hot tears because I was in agony, and NO ONE but God understood. I spent a lot of time and money on co-pays and worthless prescriptions. I was up to 27 anti histimine pills a day, and they were not helping (one lady was on 60). Since I have been approaching this from a "vitamin/ nutrient/ whatever I am deficient in or sensitive to" standpoint, I have been much better. All of this stuff is expensive, but it is still cheaper than all that I was spending on doctors and prescriptions. What works for someone else may not work for me, but then, sometimes it does. So don't give up hope.
To itchyankle, I will try the charcoal poltices when another attack comes. In the meantime, I will continue to do what I have in this post and my May 18th post. Also, has anyone looked at the ICUS (International Chronic Urticaria Society) website on Yahoo www.chronichives.com ? It is so full of useful information- I still have not gotten through it all. If you subscribe to the email list, there are other archives and web sources you will have access to. We are certainly not in this alone. God bless you all.

[happycook]

Margypops....do you have a Super Supplements near you?  I tried an Avalon shampoo that did not have salicylates or benzoates in it & even tho it had YlangYlang scent to it...my scalp calmed down right away when I started using it.  I used the conditioner too.  I also bought Nature's Gate Fragrance free body lotion and a DermE Vit. A face cream.  They feel good.  I bought Neutrogena soap for in the shower.  I did get relief.  Ask the sales people for help.  Also if you google salicylate allergy...you'll find a list of foods and such.  I still had hives, but I did not swell up as bad or itch so intensely.

Have any of you taken antibiotics and/or antifungals?  I'm not kidding.  Since this last antibiotic, metronidazole, my hives have died out and I've been hive free for days now and I'm eating salicylate foods again.  I've been holding my breath that I'm not dreaming.
I know what you mean about the expenses.  My insurance did not pay for alot of my tests and I have some bills to pay.  However, think about your quality of life...you cannot give up.  My doctor has been great in letting me try different things.  At first he thought it was my blood pressure medication, lisinopril, which is an Ace inhibitor.  He said they are the #1 cause of hives, #2, thyroid, followed by a viral, parasitic, fungal or bacterial infections.  I had a sinus infection when all this started, fever, chills, etc., treated that three times...still had hives.  I went off the lisinopril, still had hives, changed my thyroid  medication....still had hives.  Did a parasite cleanse....still had hives.  Took lamisil, an antifungal....still had hives.  Finally, generic Flagyl, metronidazole, for bacterial infections seems to have done the trick.  But I suppose I may never know what caused them to begin with.  I'm just hoping they stay away.  I, too, am looking at the nutritional aspect and eating better and taking tons of vitamins, probiotics, and supplements.  

[margypops]

Thank you for all this feedback it is the best I have had on this subject I have treid to get information before and there was no interest and the Doctor does not know anything either,I am making notes of all the things you have told me to try and remove and I havent been doing this, I cant thank you enough I have felt so alone in this Battle till I found this thread. I woke today with it pretty Bad and havent the foggiest why, head is itching, went to do errands and came home as my skin kept breaking out, I am trying Vit C  but I will try the other supplements, I got a shampoo and conditioner from Trader Joes and am going to splash out and buy the ones you suggest if I can find them. I am buying books, and going on line as I am making it a goal to get to the bottom of this thing, the Dermographism is weird, I break out in red lines for no reason they itch then go away I cant take anti histimines as Hydroxyzine made me so sick and in Pain I thought I was having a Gall Bladder attack, and even Claritin makes me feel ill, I'd rather itch!I have to say I think I must be allergic to several things I never used to be till I had that Dental experience in May, and I would say that was the most stressful time.Thank again give me any more ideas as I am sure they are helping others with it also.

[Annette01]

I too take notes on everything that anyone suggests, and I try them all. One lady ate a banana and another rubbed baby oil on hers, and they believed their attacks were stopped by this. It sounds silly, but I tried both, but they did not help.Some things definitely worked. I did try an antibiotic as well as an antifungal spray (for athletes foot) and shampoo (generic of Selsum Blue). These did not help me, but they may help some others like the antibiotic did happycook. I also forgot to mention in my previous recent posts that I am trying the Betaine HCL to raise the stomach acid. I was hive free this morning (this last outbreak has been nonstop since the end of July). The acidophilus of course also raises the stomach acid. Who knows which of these things helped, but thank God something did.!

[margypops]

Terrible itching today have been under the shower all morning , the trader joes stuff obviously was worse ,and I had a curry for dinner, and my daughter called with a problem she was having so I got stressed out trying to help her, so which caused the reaction? I am having today,the Dermographism is all over ,and a few days ago I thought it was clearing up. I am going to stay on Med help and forget my Woes in reading up about other people suffering a lot worse than I.

[Annette01]

Are you taking a hot shower? Heat definitely makes them worse. Try a tepid bath with Aveeno oatmeal. For, immediate relief from the itching, Cortizone 10 works best for me, but there is also there is a recipe on the www.chronichives.com site developed by 2 pharmacists   with this for relief (I have not tried this):
        "Cromolyn Cream: which you can make using any form of
        cromolyn (Gastrocrom, Nasalcrom, Intal or cromolyn eyedrops)

- 2 tsp glycerine
  - 1/2 cup of Vanicream (ordered from the   pharmacist) or other thick lotion (I use Eucerin)
-1 whole bottle of Nasalcrom

"Thoroughly mix together all the ingredients. Apply daily to the desired area. Be sure to start by dotting it onto a small area of skin away from the face (inner forearm, maybe) daily for three days before putting it onto a large area."

"Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer, which means it prevents mast cell
degranulation. It is poorly absorbed, and works best directly at the site you are trying to control.. This is why it comes in so many forms. Gastrocrom is used for food allergies and the GI symptoms of systemic masto, Intal is the inhaled form used in asthma, Nasalcrom for nasal allergies, and there are eye drops for eye allergies. In a pinch, you can spray some Nasalcrom directly on an especially itchy spot of skin for instant relief."

"MSM lotion or cream works great for the itching for some people. Other lotions and creams which have helped many include Sarna Lotion, Aveeno Lotion in the green bottle, Aveeno Oatmeal Bath, tea tree gel, and several other lotions which contain menthol."
  Source: www.chronichives.com
If you have not checked that site, it might help.Hang in there.

[margypops]

Am off to the store soon armed with a list of stuff to find ,not too many good stores here but I will ask the pharmacist where to get anything I cant find,hope hes helpful, its still bad today,round my neck, it amazes me the way it comes and goes, it is hot here and although the Sun  hasnt caused it I am sure it doesnt help.I have been taking cool showers and I dont think they worsten it but who knows, what gets to me is I was doing so well last week thought it was going and Back it came! Thanks again,

[margypops]

PS   Do you get Lymph nodes you can feel with Hives mine seem to be more noticeable?

[Annette01]

I get huge ones behind my ears, and sometimes under my armpits. Have you had your thyroid checked or is there maybe some hidden infection? Some people with hives have hashimoto thyroid disorder. Also, it is recommended to drink plenty of water (I am not a water drinker so I have to remind myself) as it helps to flush toxins from your body.

[happycook]

Curry is a very high salicylate spice.  Most herbs and spices are high in salicylates.  Google "Salicylate, Amine, and other  Food Intolerances" and you'll get a good list of what foods to avoid.  Also other items such as mint chewing gum, shampoos, body lotions, & most toothpaste have salicylates. I now brush with baking soda.   Even some anti-itch products have salicylates in them!  When I started a salicylate free diet, I still had hives but not so intense.  It's a hard diet to follow as so many things have salicylates in them.  Check it out though as it may help until you can figure out what is making you so hypersensitive.
Since taking this last antibiotic, metronidazole, my lymph nodes are no longer tender.  Having a few hive outbreaks but they only last about 5 minutes to two hours.  I'm eating pretty normally now.  I'm hoping they will eventually die out without having to take another round of the antibiotic since it gave me excruciating stomach pain.

[nataliebrooke222]

Hi All You Hivers. I never knew there were so many of us. I have been getting hives since I was 7 and I am now 28. I get them a few times a day and they l;ast for about a half AN HOUR. tHEY BURN ITCH AND MAKE ME WANG TO  AD RIP MUY SKIN OFF. SEEMS LIKE EVERYTIME i WALK OUTSIDE ormov ythe wrong way. It seriously *****. Maybe I'll try the vegan diet. How are you suppose to go on dates if you get hives constantly. it snot very pretty and very itchy!!! What is a Vegan diet?

[margypops]

I had the Thyroid checked a couple of years ago all was negative, I have put myself on L-Tyrosine this wekend as it is recommended for Thyroid if that what I am dealing with aswell, I also started to use more of the Aloe Vera Gel from Trader Joes, it hasnt got rid if the pesky things, but it soothed them more than anything else has done.!I have googled the Urticaria Society but I have found more help here from you all ,than any expert site, they talk in platitudes, but you and I tell it as it is , not in terms I cant understand ,this thread alone has been so much help to me and I have made copious notes, if this thing is going to be beaten it will be because I came to the Allergy Forum for help .I do drink a lot of water living in CA I am never without a bottle of it in my hand, my next project is to sort out what Salicylates I have been taking,With you guys help and my experimenting I am feeling hopeful I will make a breakthrough and hopefully it will run its course, my only other horrible thought is that as this came on in May straight after Root canals that it is the material in them I am allergic to and they have to come out!!!

[margypops]

I hope you are feeling 'not too itchy this weekend I just realised I seem to be talking about me all the time.It must be that you are good listeners LOL

[Annette01]

Some people have noticed that they get hives right after dental work or surgery of some sort-some invasion or trauma to the body brings them on. I am not a doctor, but I am wondering if it is either something that is used in the process or just some kind of shock to the system. My grandmother had a chemical imbalance which caused her to exhibit symptoms of a mental breakdown but was controlled through medication. However, it almost always happened after surgery-even minor ones.
      The thing that frustrates me the most about all of this is for doctors to tell me to wait the hives out as I will probably never know what causes them. But there is a cause. I may never get to the root of it, but it will not be because I have not tried. My symptoms have been so much better and controlled since I have gotten ideas on what helps from non-medical people who actually suffer from these things. Not everything does help, but often some one thing or combination of things is beneficial. I hope some of the things that others have suggested are helping you, but I have to admit that the thing that has helped me the most has been prayer. I try to tell you what I have tried that has helped me, but without His Guidance and His Healing Touch when I most needed it, I would have been miserable. I don't mean to come off preachy, but I wanted to make sure that I give credit  where credit is due. Please feel free to email me (I am trying to get better about checking them more regularly) at ***@****. I do hope you get some relief because I understand how agonizing and consuming these things can be.

[Annette01]

As I understand it, a vegan diet is one in which you eat or drink nothing that comes from an animal. This includes milk and other dairy. I was never allergic to milk, but I am 37 yrs old, and my worst hive attacks come after I have had some- although I can still have cheese and yogurt. Soy milk is not bad once you get used to it!

[AZCarol]

Hi everyone,

I found your site two days ago and can't believe how many of us there are!  I started having hives three weeks ago and have been to the ER twice with anaphalactic shock.  The hives always start at night between midnight and 3 a.m. and appear on my buttocks and thighs.  Although there have been times my entire body is covered with red itchy welts.  I've been through the same medicine regime as many of you, fully tested by an allergist, and removed from blood pressure medicine (Diovan) that has a known side effect of hives.  Still they come nightly as if in a dream (make that nightmare).

I am starting to get some relief, at least the hives are less severe each night, since I returned to medicinal levels of vegetable and fruit juicing.  I believe these hives are caused by an imbalance in the body.  Whether it is hormonal, adrenal, liver, whatever.  The body is trying to expel something that it finds toxic but due to its weakened condition the organs, particularly the liver, cannot repair themselves given the lack of nutrients we are putting into the system.  Vegetable and fruit juicing provides the body with an incredible influx of readily viable nutrients to stabilize the body's systems and begin rebuilding healthy cells.  In addition, I've been using an herbal liver cleanse product that seems to be helping rid my body of toxins.

After just one week I am off all medication, including blood pressure medicine.  My blood pressure is now back to normal levels after ten years on medication, my cholesterol levels have dropped below 200 for the first time in my life, my skin looks great and the hives are becoming less aggressive.  

Personally, I can't imagine going through this for long periods of time like some of you have.  I'm praying I'm on the right path to controlling the outbreaks and will let you know how this continues.  Thanks for sharing your experiences.  I've begun adding green tea to my daily intake of juices.

[Annette01]

That is great! I have considered using a liver detox myself.I do drink  green tea, and I have been using the detox foot pads as well as two drops of oil of oregano under my tongue (which tastes terrible but is supposed to help the body rid itself of toxins). Here is what baffles me. Why do so many of us experience these in the middle of the night? And I do not believe it is my bedding because it happens even when I am out of town. Are there particular juices you use?

[mummykk]

Yes, it puzzled me too, my son always got it at night, just before he goes to bed and sometimes in the middle of his sleep. For the green tea, are you refering to those bottled type or powder type?

[Annette01]

Also, what levels are "medicinal levels of vegetable and fruit juicing"?

[margypops]

hey Annette you didnt become "Preachy', you have helped me a lot which is more than I can say from any other site I have been to, or any medical help I have sort,  the Whole of this thread has been a help and I think others reading it will also benefit, I am also determined to crack this thing.

[margypops]

I have come to one conclusion with my experience of this since May, something triggeredit possibly the Dental work which was also extremely traumatic and painful, and its as if then it started off a sequence and I became allergic to other Factors,I know the Sunand Heat  didnt start it ,but definatly doesnt help it, I think some foods make it worse and am trying to stop sulphites ,its almost as if once started a chain reaction occurs and  the body simply plain gets allergic to anything and everything, hey that Dermographism is weird.Has anyone else found that .

[happycook]

My allergist/immunologist phoned me Tuesday to say he'd attended a conference that morning.  Topic:  Patients with Chronic Urticaria.....there's now more research with regard to mercury toxicity in the body and the relationship to chronic hives.  It seems it's a big deal and is now considered a huge factor for causing hives!....and other automimmune diseases.  He wants me to have a blood test to see how much mercury is in my body since I do eat a lot of fish and have had silver dental fillings since childhood.   Have any of you been tested for mercury?  

[margypops]

I havent been tested for Mercury but have had all those old fillings out a few years ago and replaced, Last weekend was the worst I have had for several weeks and we had curry again and I also drank red wine,I dont drink usually but Family wre over to see us , I think it isnt the main allergen but definatly the additives in the spices makes it worse like the Sun and heat does, I have found the showers Hot or cold are okay and actually soothing.Maybe I will have to live with it I try all the stuff, I took the L-Tyrosine and have been impressed with how I have felt, I have felt more upbeat(as you know with Hives you feel so down) I dont know if its helping the Thyroid or not but I am off to Sprouts this morning to see what other supplements there are and get shampoos, I dont know if you have a Sprouts (Natural foods) near you its a terrific place with people there to help you they put your problem into the PC and get information for you.

[Debski860]

What a helpful forum!  I thought I was going crazy.  Am not a chronic sufferer but have had a recent sudden outbreak of SOMETHING that I couldn't explain.  Terribly itchy hives/small bumps that started on both sides of the back of my neck, moved to my back, then both arms, my stomach and upper legs.  VERY strange and incredibly irritating - with the itching.  And yes - mine is exaggerated at night as well (I thought it was just ME).

Tried multiple topical ointments, was already on antihistamines and such (Flonase, Zyrtec).  Back and forth at dr's office.  Ended up seeing a dermatologist on Thursday and experienced IMMEDIATE relief within 24 hours.  Was prescribed:
- Dexamethasone (DEXPAK for the next 13 days)
- Creme comprised of Tacrolimus with Sarna
- Xyzal (antihistamine) for night time.
I had to research each of these (easy access online) as I had never heard of any of them.  I don't know which is working the magic (my guess is the Dexamethasone).  I know these aren't for everyone - but I thought I would share.  The creme is soothing and has apparently also (in two days... mind you) taken away all signs of rosacea I've had on the backs of my arms for many years.  Hmmm...?  

Anyway - now to the task of finding out what the culprit is before I stop treatments.  Since this just began for me in the last week of August - I have the luxury of pinpointing any changes in diet or whatnot - which there have been few.  I eat very well (mostly fruits and veggies) with little preservatives.  I use fragrance, dye-free products whenever I can...just because.  

My primary suspicion is... and this may sound silly (is anything silly?) ... artificial nails ... and I do recall noticing the initial outbreak after the first application (there were 3 different ones - at three different salons - with three different procedures and likely chemicals).  I soaked them off last week - but I suspect that it might take a while for my body to stop reacting - if this was the cause - to flush out the demon.  :-)  I don't know.  I'll go with this and eliminate a few things in my diet - just in case.  Have never had anything like this before.  

Thanks for so much for all the great information.  This really helps.

[margypops]

this thread has been such help to me and thank you Debski for your input,I have had more help here than any physician or allergist has been able to give me .The presciption drugs and the steroids have all made me sick now the things that help are the Natural Remedies, from my local health store.

[Annette01]

I really hope that you have found the root of your problem. Like yourself, at the onset of the attacks, I was given a round of steroids (Dexpak) as well as a cortisone shot with some other meds. I too got immediate relief- but almost as soon as I began to finish with the steroids, the hives were back worse than ever. Hopefully, this will not be the case with you. If they do start to come back, try taking 150mg of ranitidine with Xyzal at night. This has helped me greatly in controlling the nightly outbreaks.Like margypops, talking to others with this problem has helped me far more than all of the physicians I have consulted. I hope everyone else is doing better.

[margypops]

Simply an update on my hives the last 2 weeks it seems to have lessened I can hardly believe it , I havent been doing anything differant, I am using that Aloe Vera Gel from Trader Joes and thats all, I am not taking anything,I am fingers crossed hoping I have come to the end of whatever caused it, allergen or whatever, I wanted to let you know you have been so much support for me when I thought I would go mad.I truly think my experience may help others I am going to write it up. Will be back if I am wrong, fingers crossed.

[Codyk1969]

I have had hives since 1979. My allergy Dr. Decided that it was (laymans term) skin writing decease. I was miserable all my life. I felt like the Elephant man. They would appear after I something even faintly touched my skin. After I got older they became painful especially my palms and feet. He started me on Zyrtek. As long as I take that faithfully. I am fine, have very little redness or hives and no pain thank goodness. I have too much histamine in my body. I tried all allergy medicines and Zyrtek is the only one that worked.

[Raebee18]

I have had hives now for around 10 months, pretty consistently. Mine are usually worst after I exercise which is awful for me since I was a college athlete when they first started. I feel dizzy and like I'm living in a fog every time I get them and I suddenly feel the need to sleep all the time I'm talking 10-14 hours a day. I get dermographism with the hives as well and I feel like I can't eat a thing. My hives first developed right after I had walking pneumonia. I'm thinking that bad bacteria might be to blame. Funny thing is I also developed asthma at the same time. I went from running everyday for practice to not being able to run 5+ minutes without an inhaler. The hives cover my entire body, sometimes they itch sometimes not, always worse if I wear anything tight to the skin like a hair tie on my wrist or socks with a tight band will result in a ring of hives. I am horribly frustrated and glad to see that victims of this horrible condition are banding together to find a solution since all I get from doctors are loads of steroids which I refused to take since that would make me ineligible for sports and so many antihistamines that I do nothing but drink water! I'm going to start taking a probiotic regimine as well as the green tea today and see if that helps. Hopefully I'll get this all resolved. I've had my thyroid tested numerous times (it's larger than normal and every doctor I go to freaks out) nothing is wrong. I've also kept a food log and done elimination diets to no avail. If anyone has any other suggestions I'd be open to them I'm only 24 and I don't want this to last the rest of my life. It's really affecting my work at my new job and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up with the work load do yo my chronic fatigue.

[Annette01]

Many of the rest of us have have some of the same symptoms you describe. I would get a pain in my chest that seemed like a tightening along with labored breathing. I was tested for asthma (which I did not have), and the doctors' conclusion was that I was having panic attacks (which I wasn't). After carefully observing and logging all of my symptoms, I began to recognize that the breathing trouble was usually followed by a severe outbreak of hives. I believe that the breathing trouble was caused by internal hives. Like you, I also get them where clothes rub my skin such as along the seams and elastic. Heat can definitely aggravate them and bring them on. Also, like you, the hives were accompanied by extreme fatigue. Although I checked out with a clean bill of health from multiple doctors, I knew something was wrong. I just did not FEEL right. I tried eliminating things from my diet and keeping a log as well- I was so frustrated because it did not seem to help at first though in the long run those two things were very helpful. If you have not read the above posts you really should as they have been so useful to me. Nothing any of the multitude of doctors have prescribed has helped me as much as the advice of fellow sufferers here and on the www.chronichives.com website. My hives are under control for the first time in years. No matter what anyone tells you, something is causing them- my dermatologists told me one of her patients has had them for 10 years, and I may have to live with them. I can't do that. There have been times where I felt they were taking over my life. This is going to be trial and error for you as it has been for all of us. I had to remind myself that when I did try something, I had to give it a fair trial. Since you are already using probiotics and antioxidants (like the green tea), here are some other things that have helped me or others, and I hope will help you:

1) Continuing to keep a log of everything that goes into your mouth (including fluids and medications) as well as the symptoms for that day may still pay off. After several weeks, you may find a pattern there. It took me that long before I began to find that my worst attacks were hours after I had milk. The milk wasn't causing the hives, but it was definitely aggravating them. Also, I found that symptoms were better after I had certain foods or fluids.

2) Eat lots of unprocessed fruits and vegetables/ drink lots of veggie/fruit juice (good source of nutrients and antioxidants

3) Drink plenty of water which helps to shed impurities from the body.

4) Take vitamins and minerals in combinations that help to restore balance in the body, boost your immune system, increase your energy level, and reduce histamine release. What helped me the most was:

- Use of a Natural Progesterone Cream in a pump at night (can get it cheaper through Swanson's online)

- 8000-1000mg of Vit C a day until the symptoms subside
- 400 IUs of Vit E morning and night
- 500 mg Flaxseed or Primrose oil morning and night
- A Multivitamin
-500mg of Quercetin with Bromelain morning and night
-Vitex morning and night
-500mg of Magnesium at night
-2000mg of B-12
-250mg of B-5 (Pantheolic)
-B6
-Betaine HCL

5) try eliminating common allergens or histamine releasers from your diet-even if you were never allergic to them before. For example, milk, soy, Ibuprofen, aspirin, anything with aspertaine in it, alcohol, strawberries, stuff with salycilic acid (even some facial products have this) or silicates

6) Some people have had success with detox products.

7) try adding iodine salt to your table/cooking

8) some people are allergic to fluoride which is not only in toothpaste but also in some tap water

9) Daily take a histamine 1 blocker along with a histamine 2 blocker whether or not you have symptoms such as the generic forms of Zyrtec and Zantac. www.chronichives.com has lists of each, but you will have to find the combination that works best for you.

10) Aloe Vera helps the burning, and Cortisone cream helps the itching

Hopefully, some of these things will help you as many of them did me. Mine are under control for now, but I still have to be vigilant.

To Codyk1969- I do not know how you have dealt with this all of these years, but I am glad yours are under control now. If anyone has anything else that is helping, I am still looking for a final solution to these things.

[margypops]

Thanks again Anette I am still struggling ,it is better but still there , it is a mystery ,one minute I feel I am cured then I am back again, this thread has helped me so much I reread it when I feel bad.I have to go and get some dental work removed in the new YEar as I feel that this is where the root" of the problem lies, LOL some Pun

[fedup_itch]

i have had hives since i was about 6 years old after been given an antibiotics i found out i was allergic to. i am now 17 years old. i had every day for about 4 years since i was 6 and then i got a break that came on quite sudden, this break lasted about 3 years.. and now it just comes back. i get hives everyday, on my legs, arms, back,stomach, face, you name it. i have tried almost everything.. including eating nothing and just drinking water but that doesnt seem to work either. Zyrtec worked for a while to reduce the swelling and cease the itching but i have seem to become immune to it, in fact it is actually causing hives now. the itching is sometimes unbearable and cannot think of anything else there is left to try.. any options?

[margypops]

Had a dreadful weekend I really felt at the end of my tether, my ears are burning now, I took an anti histimine to stop it and got a stomach ache like a gall Bladder attack to go with it. I am going to reread all these posts as it makes me feel hopeful otherwise I have nothing else.

[slggy]

I'm so glad to know that there are others with chronic hives.  I've had hives on and off since I was 12 yrs old (now 29).  It's been a horrible and long road.  From what I can remember, the hives started breaking out in summer 2003 and I remember the a/c just started up so I thought it was the dust that caused the breakout, but it wasn't and the hives continued everyday until fall 2005 where it suddenly stopped.  I don't remember changing anything so I don't know why it stopped.  I was also pretty stressed during 2005-2007 so the hives probably aren't stress related.  During those 2 years, I remember treating the hives with allegra, benadryl, and other antihistamines prescribed to me.  I though allegra was pretty effective, but then again, all it did was suppress the symptoms, not cure the hives.

Unfortunately, in April 2008, the hives started again.  I ended up taking my husband's generic allegra to stop itching.  I finally went to see an allergist and was given 70+ skin tests.  It turned out that I was allergic to several foods, nuts, and environmental factors, but the tests may have been inconclusive :(  So now, I'm back on my regimine of generic allegra and now xyzal.  I think these 2 medications are not as effective as they used to be since they aren't suppressing the symptoms for a full 24 hour.  

I'm thinking about going back to the allergist to do some blood work.  But from reading these posts, it doesn't seem to help some people.  I do remember drinking green tea for a period of time, from early 2005 to May 2007, and during this period, I was hive free.  Maybe I'll go back to drinking green tea.  I never thought there was a correlation between hives and green tea.  I'll let you know if it works.

[Annette01]

Good luck. Sometimes you have to change the antihistamine as your body builds up a resistance to one you have taken for awhile, and it is not as effective. The tea seems to help me; I am not sure if it has to do with the antioxidant element or what, but as you know, sufferers will try anything for relief! :)

[Annette01]

How are you today? Did you ever try the Betaine HCL? Using that with the b-complex, plus 250-500mg of the pantothenic acid, plus B5, B6, 2000mg B12, and the probioitic has really helped me this time. If the antihistimine isn't causing the stomach ache, can you take ranitidide (at least 150mg) with generic Zyrtec to help? If you have not tried the progesterone cream,  it gave me some lasting relief. Could oral birth control or artificial sweeteners be culprits? Can you think of anything for that 2 week hive free period that you did (or did not) do? Please let me know how you are. I am still using antioxidants like green tea and the detox foot pads. If you are like me, you will try anything.

[Annette01]

It does not help me just to take something like Zyrtec either- most chronic hives sufferers have to take a combination of what is called an H-1 blocker and an H-2 blocker (for stomach acid). For example generic Zyrtec and generic Zantac (ranitidine 150mg). You have to take both everyday whether or not you have an outbreak. If Zyrtec no longer works for you, try another H-1 blocker (antihistamine). Lists of both can be found on www.chronichives.com. For relief of the burning, aloe vera is good; for the itching, cortisone cream is good. Drinking green tea and veggie/fruit juice helps some people. Many people have given lots of helpful advice on the above posts, and more helpful suggestions can be found on www.chronichives.com. Best of luck to you and to everyone else.

[charlie_sheena]

I see that no one has posted anything on this forum for quite a while, but I just wanted to say that this has been really helpful more so mentally than physically.  Unfortunately, no one around us understands what we are going through and as much as they love us and try to help it's a little frustrating because no one has done more research than us who are suffering.  

I've had hives now for just over 6 months and have no idea what could have caused them.  Originally I thought it was these sheets that we bought and didn't wash before we put them on the bed, but the dermatologist that I went to recently didn't beleive that could be the case because he thinks that once you get rid of the trigger you get rid of the hives.  I disagree, but could obviously be wrong.  

I just recently ordered and received Histarix and have to tell you that it is not in pill form and tastes pretty disgusting.  It's not quite as bad as buckleys but it is brutal none the less.  I just received it today and am not sure which method is better.  Taking it directly so that it is over with, or putting it in some iced tea which is a little less painful, but then you have a pretty disgusting drink that you have to choke down.  Not to mention that you have to take it 4 times a day.  Anyways, if anyone comes back to this forum I'd love to keep you posted to let you know if it's done anything to help.  I couldn't find any reviews other than on their site, which a person obviously can't trust.  But there is a money back guarantee, so it can't hurt.  

[Annette01]

I have not posted in awhile, but I still keep an eye out for any new posts. I recently changed doctors, and I enlightened my new internal medicine doctor about my hive issues. He has another patient with hives as well. She has a fungus under her toenails that the allergist he referred her to thinks may be the culprit. He checked my toenails, but sadly, no fungus :) He looked at all of the vitamin supplements that I take (listed in an above post) and told me not to take more than 500mg of vitamin C as it has been linked to gall (or kidney?) stones.

However, I have had some kind of new thing going on with my skin, and I am not sure if it has anything to do with the hives. On four separate occasions, I have broken out from head to toe in a bright red, extremely itchy rash 1 1/2 hours after I took a shower. I start off feeling an icy hot prickling on my extremities, and within minutes my whole body looks as if I were extremely sunburned. Taking a couple of benadryl and an oatmeal bath helps. So far, it doesn't seem to happen if I use a body gel wash-only if I use a bar soap.

Thanks so much to whoever suggested the aloe vera for burning hives. It gives me immediate relief!

[SweetStarRider]

Also u might want to look for physical like hot & cold as a trigger. I have chronic cold induced hives.

[SweetStarRider]

I've noticed a lot of u state the hives get worse @ night. It might be cold induced hives. Temps drop @ night. Also those who get it after swimming is also cold induced. air hits wet body & skin gets cold BAM Hives!!! I have had cold induced hives since I was 16. 17 yrs. Think about it & do research on net.

[margypops]

Time has gone by and I thought I would up date you on what has happened with my hives   and get some input.. you guessed it I still have a problem"         So the hives have improved a lot , and i ahavent done anything else except research and I have been takingt Adrenal Suport capsules, for a few weeks now, I thought I had nad maybe still do have a low thyroid problem, however some one on MH said why not se if its Adrenal Fatigue first, so I got some Adrenal support Caps from the health food store,within3 days I started to feel good in fact my brain fog lifted and I was focusing better, now I hear you say...whats that got to do with her hives.. well I cant say they have entirely gone away but I dont have a major problem anymore if I have them they are roun d my neck..I still get a little dermographism but not much.My reasoning is that whatever the dental Trauma caused me it takes time to correct itself I am also sure I had PTSD frm it and I am convinced one gets Physical symptoms from the PTSD..... so much more to tell but I feel okay at presant, how are you guys?

[Annette01]

I am so glad you are better. It is great to hear from you as I have wondered so many times how you have been. My hives have been so much better for a while now, but within the last 2 weeks, I have been getting them a little more. I am wondering if my body is becoming resistant to the Zyrtec and ranitidine.  I have read that most people have to change them after awhile. However, the hives started to get worse the same time that I came down with a horrible, lingering cold. So I thought my immune system was probably running down.
      I will DEFINITELY try the Adrenal support caps. Any recommendations about brands/dosage? It is funny that you mentioned the adrenal gland fatigue because it is one of the things that the Progesterone cream is supposed to help with. According to Dr. Lee's book, he says that hormonal imbalance can lead to adrenal gland failure so that the body begins to react. People have a wide variety of symptoms from it and hives was mentioned as one of them.

[margypops]

Maybe we should start another thread as this takes absoulutly ages to scroll down,, heres my update, I have also been going to send you a PM Annette, will do that later as am in today, well its now my head driving me nuts more than my skin, I still have hives around my neck  but no major break outs the dermographism has also quietened but is still lurking in the back ground, I have felt since taking the Adrenal Capsules so much better in myself , less anxious and more Focused so I would say I definatly suffer from Adrenal Insufficiency, I have come to one conclusion that at least for me the Trauma from the incompetant Dentist was the trigger and doing my own research I would say thats I I have had so many ailments since ,my body reacting to what happened , I am now investigating how I stop the itch and burning on my scalp,,,, and having hair Loss(scary) Hope you guys are getting some relief, thing is if we start another thread will we lose this one and it has given us so much infromation that has certainly been a help to us .. Catch you soon

[shortangel]

mine started when i was 9 im now 17 every time i run or sweat my eyes get a small bump under them and a few minutes later theyre practically swollen shut, every time i exercise i break out with small bumps all over my body and my throat starts swelling it, goes away in a couple of hours except when my eyes swell it takes two days for the swelling to go down. i also have dermagraphism and asthma, i have no insurance so i cant go to the doctor to figure out why my eyes swell, they also swell up a bit when i laugh hard,and sometimes after i gat out of the shower or go swimming ive tried everything im running out of ideas. if this doesnt go away im afraid i might not be able to get a job, because they also swell if i get too hot, pls help!

[Angellore]

Hi. I didnt read all the answers but pretty many. So nice to hear other people with this problem. I just read a bit from a really interesting book, i cant remember the name or author now, it was online. The book talked about candida antibodies. When we eat wheat we start attacking candida if we have a candida overgrowth since they share building blocks. We also attack the wheat. These antibodies that are created can also start attacking our body. Candida binds to our hormones and that way we can start having allergic reactions to hormones. I think there was talk about estrogen and predniso.. well pred something hormone. Just thought i should say it since some of you seem to have problems related to hormones. When we attack candida we also can start attacking the thyroid. Gluten is linked to thyroid problems and this could be how it works.

[mariedoc]

This has been an interesting forum to read. I have had hives every year for the past 20 years. They only last from the first week of July until about Oct.  They appear most any where on my body, and mostly, in the early mornings. They go away by themselves in about a hour or two.
Benedryl gives relief for a few hours, but they come back when it wears off. I have all but eliminated food as the culprit. I don't take any other drugs or use any other creams during this time. I take multi-vit year round. It has almost got to be something that grows around our house. The hives actually started about the time we moved here.  I drink green tea every day year round. It is amazing

[mariedoc]

I didn't finish the last post.
It is amazing that I cannot determine the cause of these hives.
I have not been to a doctor because after reading all the info on line
it seems like they could not help except to tell me to take benedryl.

I am highly allergic to poison ivy and poison oak. If it appears in a small
spot, I immediately doctor it because it takes over quickly, so I am able to
keep it under control with over the counter medications year round.

We are planning a trip 3000 miles away for a week. It will be interesting to see if
the hives clears up during this time.

[shortangel]

i have had chronic hives for 8 years i got them first when i was nine, first it started with the swelling of my eyes, when they first swelled they went down after two days and ever since i can't run because every time i do they will swell, and as the years went by it got worse now when i run i also break out in small red bumps that are all over my body and my throat feels like it swells a bit but also even when i dont run i'll notice red itching welts on my body i get them every where head, foot, legs, arms, and face, i've tried many allergy pills, some i've found work for the welts but so far nothing has stopped my eyes from swelling, and it's not slight they are practically swollen shut, top and bottom lid of my eyes will swell, but always goes down after two days but i'm still in school and have gym so i can't play or participate in any game that involves running or being outside in the heat because for some reason the heat also does it.i can be inside or out if it's hot and i run or even walk and get too hot they'll swell.Please Help! I can't figure out what's causing it!

[lwdangels]

I've had hives for about 15 years - I lost track.  Between the 2 states I lived in, I have seen at least 14 allergists with 2 at large teaching hospitals.  A Ffew have told me not to bother going from doctor to doctor - to go to the Mayo Clinic.  Hello - insurance!!  I'm always told "I'd like to find the cure and write about you."  I've tried every drug - even some that worked 10 yrs ago for a while are being tried again because it seems I get immune to them.  Have done the elimination diet, gone through the detergent, soap, shampoo thing, was biopsied, stool tests, 3 skin tests, etc, etc, etc.  I too take thyroid medication and have IBS.  I asked if the 3 were related, but no one thinks so.  I'm currently taking prednisone as needed, just started cyclosporin for a 2nd time (It made me real sick when I tried it a few months ago.), am now on Xyzal, colchichine, atarax, albuterol, plaquinil, zantac, and just got off periactin as it did nothing.  Tried taking 2-3 Zyrtec a day in the past, Benadrl, doxipin, clarinex, singular, allegra, the list goes on and on.  Do you know how many times I have heard "Hives usually don't last more than a year?"  Really?!!  Try 15!  When my doctor does not want to give me prednisone I ask "IF this was you would you just put up with it and live with it and not itch?"  Does it every time.  I do get swelling in my legs, hands, and chin up to my eyes.  Sometimes it looks like I was beat up.  A few times I have felt my throat closing and was close to using my epipen.  I used to go to the ER all the time when it first started; then I just started calling my doctor to tell her it's bad again.  Believe me, I wait until it's so bad I'm crying as I hate being on prednisone (gained 30 lbs on it) or getting a shot.  I'm hoping to tolerate the cyclosporin this time.  My doctor said he has 2 more radical drugs to try as well as some kind of IV treatment.

It's just nice to see other people are in the same boat as me.  Good luck to all!!!!

[Annette01]

I have now had mine (with very brief respites) for four years. Please, PLEASE try one more thing that has helped me SO much. I went off of the birth control that I was on and that the hives went away for almost a year. When they came back with a vengeance, I began using NATURAL PROGESTERONE CREAM at night and within a day or two, they were gone. That was almost two years ago, and very, very rarely do I get any at all. I do still take one 150mg generic Zantac and one generic Zyrtec every night, and of course I still use the cream. That is all I do, and for weeks at a time, I forget all about them. many times before that, I felt as if they were taking over my life.My eyes were swelling shut, and I couldn't bear for clothes to touch my skin for several hours every day.

I kept journals of everything that I ate, touched, felt (since most doctors told me that they were induced by stress), and I also tracked every all other physical changes. More than ever, I am convinced that mine are related to hormones though more than one doctor has told me that they did not think hormones were the cause. However, since the doctors I went to weren't able to help me in any way, I have tried to find my own solution. At my age (I am 38), I am supposed to only use the cream for two-three weeks and then take a break. If I try to stop the cream, within 3-4 days the hives are back. So, guess what? I don't stop using it now.
       Maybe one day I can get help for a more permanent solution. I also highly recommend Dr. John Lee's book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause." He also has one very similar about premenopause. By the grace of God, it was that book that first put me on the track of trying the cream. If you try it, make sure that it is NATURAL PROGESTRONE and NOT progestin. In most states, you can get it in the drug store or local health food store. I order mine online in the pump as it is much cheaper.

Good luck to all of you, my fellow sufferers.

[Lee0501]

Hi Everyone,
So happy to hear I'm not alone.  I have been suffering from hives for 2 years now...with no help from all the testing I went through. (I still can't believe I woke up with a swollen lip on my wedding day)  I guess I can laugh about that now!
Anyway, just recently, my doctor found me positive for h. pylori in my blood.  This is the same bacteria in the gut that causes ulcers. Well, he said there is a CHANCE this could be causing the hives (please oh please...hoping!!!) I will be starting my 7 day treatment of antibiotics and will let you guys know if it helped with the hives.  Any anyone experienced this with success and remission of urticaria?
Good luck everyone.

[margypops]

As an update I still have the hives, occasional dermographism, I get the hives around my neck, and on top of my arms, they have changed somewhat and I do seem to get other spots awell, I still get those riased welts on the right side of my neck, I have tried everything, I give up, my scalp has stopped a lot of the itching, i use' scalpitch' when it does itch and that does help, you get it from the drug store, I have had a lot of other symptoms I feel may be connected and have been trying to get tests done for Lyme ..thats another story ....Yuck

[hope_74]

Hello,
I've had chronic hives for almost 6 months now.  Like many of you I've been to several differnt Dr.'s including an allergist and a naturopath.  I also have hypothyroidism which I am medicated for but sometimes wonder if I'm on the right dose, even though my Dr. tells me I'm in the "normal range."  I have been on the dreaded prednisone which helped my hives for the few weeks I was on it, but I also gained 15 pounds!  The hives came back as soon as I stopped taking it.  Right now I'm on doxepin, zantac and reactine.  I tried taking singulair for a couple of weeks.  I think it helped but it's so expensive and my insurance doesn't cover it so I've stopped taking it.  The naturopath didn't really help me and he actually screwed up my thyroid because he put me on armour medication and didn't give me a high enough dose!  So my family Dr. gave me a higher dose but it's only been a couple of weeks so I'm still not feeling great.  My hives never totally go away but they always get worse right before my period.  This thread has given me some insight and I think I'm going to try the progesterone cream.  Thanks for the tip!  I'll let you know if it helps.

[Mehdi44]

I was given a  steroids as well as a cortisone shot. I too got immediate relief- but almost as soon as I began to finish with the steroids, the hives were back worse than ever. And now after 23 years fighting with Hives, My allergy specialist gave me Apo-Ranitidine with Reactin at night. This has helped me greatly in controlling the nightly outbreaks, But I still don't understand the connection between Apo-Ranitidine and Chronic Hives!!!!!
Is there anybody knows the answer please?

[pjoan]

I've had the hives now since April. They aren't as severe as they were but I'm watching my glucose too now. The last time my doctor took blook in August he found my blood sugar high. Since then I've been watching what I eat and the hives have lessened.

They go away with Benedryl. I still get them every day towards the end of the day but nothing like in April, May, and June. The Doctor said it was probably allergies but I never had allergies like this before.

I've been prone to hives all my life to anything my body didn't like but never like this year. This year has been wicked hives.

[Pooh2000]

Interesting to know there are others like myself suffering with chronic hives.  I had my first bout 10 years ago a couple of weeks after my hysterectomy.  Mine started with upper lip swelling.  Lip swellings are my major concern.  The lip usually starts swellig during the night.  I have found taking 180mg Allegra, then an hour later 600mg Tagamet will make the lip go down.  However, I had an "attack" in Sept. and my histamine blockers didn't seem to affect my lips at all.  This was the first attack I've had when the swelling involved both my lips over a day......wierd swelling of my bottom lip, then moving into my cheek, then onto the top lip......by then the bottom lip was down.  I took Sudafed too to help with the swelling.  Like you all, I have no idea what caused the swelling.  It could be hormones, but I am in my mid 60s and not on HRT.  I may get Zyrtec to take instead of Allegra.  I have a friend who takes it daily to ward off lip swelling.  She's been successful for years.  BTW, I also have huge hives on my fanny and thighs at times.  I've had them on the bottom of my feet too.  I went for a couple of years without any.   A year ago they started up again......who knows why.  It is such a mystery.  It's nice to know I am not alone.  The odd thing is that I don't remember people dealing with this hives like lip swelling years ago.  I know 4 people who deal with it like me.  Good luck to all!!

[margypops]

Has anyone had any new happenings with their hives ,are they better worse, mine seem to be worse at the moment, I am loathe to go back to the Doctor as It';ll be the same old thing and I am not taking prednisone..Mine have changed, it is mostly round my neck it is almost like Lichen planus I am doing my own research to find something to make the itching and burning bearable, so I am here again to get any updates from you to help me ..LOL

[Pooh2000]

Sorry you're having a bad outbreak of hives.  They are a mystery!!  I went for a coupleof years without having any attacks, then mine started back Sept 08.  I read that angioneurotic edema ( don't you like the word "neurotic" in there) go in cycles....each cycle lasting about 3 years.  My first bout happen 10 years ago and last 6 years off and on.  My main experience is lip swellings, although I get welps on my fanny, thighs, and bottoms of my feet at times.  Are yours mainly around neck and scalp?  I have decided it takes more than one allergen to make mine happen.....sort of like overload.  I am taking 60mg Allegra each morning, which helps.  If I feel more lip start to swell, I add Tagamet.  I up the dosages too.  Have you tried a decongestant?  I use Sudafed on occasion.  I got very discouraged in Sept. when I had the worst swellings ever, and the meds didn't seem to help.  The swellings had to run their course over a two day period before I felt my facial swellings were down.  It helps to read what others have tried to combat hives.  I think my body might need to switch to another antihistamine.   Good Luck!!  

[margypops]

thank you for replying your post was very helpful yes I am up on this thread a few times , so I am an old poster, Is Allegra an OTC med as I have given up on the Doctors to know what I have got ..or how to treat it, I have never thought to take tagamet as I thought It was for sinus problems it would have never ocurred to me I have taken Clariton which did nothing, I get dermographism sometimes , the rash is mostly round my neck ,the back of the neck, sometimes tops of my arms , it seems to have changed, what happens is it itches a dnburns if I dare ,and I try not to , scrtach or touch,it kind of flares/puffs up ..really weird. I have had it for about 18 months after major dental work .. thanks for the infromation I will get tagamet, and allegr5 if its OTC

[margypops]

Sorry about the 'spelling's I should have checked it  I felt tired/lazy

[margypops]

will try anything, I will look for that stuff in the health food store .thanks

[Annette01]

Sorry to hear that you are still suffering. My hives are still pretty well under control. I stopped taking the Natural Progesterone for a while as my face was breaking out in a rosacia type acne. Funny thing is that the acne is a little better, but it is still worse than when I had it aI hope and pray that they don't come back with a vengeance as they sometimes do. Good luck to you.

[Pooh2000]

Allegra is prescription.  It is actually prescribed for giant hives.  Tagamet is usually prescribed for stomach problems, but it is an antihistamine.  I think it works best for food allergy induced hives.  I have only had a swollen tongue once and went to the ER.  I was prescribed 800mg Tagamet.......I forget how often I was to take it.   I have read that Allegra and Tagamet work best together, than taking one alone.  I've also read it is better to take one, then wait an hour to take the other.  At high dosages I wait 12 hours before another round.  Zyrtec might be similar to Allegra and is OTC.  I also added a decongestant (Sudafed) during my last bout.  Now I take 200mg Tagamet before spicy meals and 60mg Allegra each morning.  My hives have been gone for weeks now.  You mentioned lichen planus.  What about eczema or psoriasis?  Good luck.  Dealing with these skin issues can be VERY depressing.  I become a recluse when my lips are swollen. A friend suggested I wear a scarf over my mouth and honestly, think this might be a good idea.  I would be safe from flu germs too :-)  Again, I hope you are doing better tonight...........and hive free soon.

[hiveygirl]

What a wonderful site!  I thought I was alone.  I'm so sorry about what's happening to you all here.  I've been praying about some relief.  I had a very bad breakout many years ago and it lasted about 5 days due to my ex beating me.  Now, 30 years later I started breaking out in hives 3 months ago, every day, mostly at night, then in the morning, and afternoon--have gone through 4 bottles of Benedryl.  I finally went to see my doctor who told me that she will try a series of things, but first wanted to make sure I wasn't stressed (which I am--big time), so I was given a low dosage of Celexa and have to see a therapist--until I feel like I don't need to see her any more.  I am suppose to visit my doctor again early December and if I still have the hives, we'll try something new.  Maybe food allergies, maybe a thyroid test, etc....  
I've been like most of you---I'm trying to self-diagnoise myself too, and I'm thinking either harmones because I'm going through menopause right now and maybe candida yeast since about 2 months ago I was eating tons of bad foods--all with the white flour and sugar.  I am eating much healthier now and even though I'm still getting hives, it isn't breaking out as bad--but still EVERY DAY and I hate it.  I'm going to do some of what you all said here--the probiotics, creams, etc....will keep posting.  Thank you all!
Catherine

[davek1985]

So what is the consensus on green tea? Does everyone feel like this is a important supplement for chronic hive sufferers?

I was just wondering, because on the urticaria society website it lists all tea as a beverage to avoid on the anti-histamine diet.

[louie14]

I feel for all of you with such bad cases of hives. I used to get them along with swollen hands and lips/eyes every now and again but then these events started to become more  and more frequent. Visited an allergy specialist who, after every possible test said I had no allergies.
After lots of reading, due to a variety of other symptoms, I did the liver cleansing diet - Dr Sandra Cabot(borrowed the book from local library)  an Australian doctor and NO hives or swelling since! Until ayear and a half later when I had slipped back into unhealthy eating habits again and the itching and swelling started to return. Am doing diet again and so far all is good!
Recommend it, but most GP's don't believe in it, even though she is also a GP.

[mssmissie]

I am so glad to know I am not the only one going through all these changes.  I have been suffering from HIVES since last summer although I use to get them  less offten than not, but latley I have them all the time.  I did not know what was going on because I dont remember them being round in shape just welts.  But the Dr. took on look at my legs and said "THATS HIVES" and put me on a steorid pack.  The day I took the last one they came back within the hour.  My lip was swollen all day yesterday and it scared the hell out of my kids and my husband.  I just found out today from reading your posts that I do have chronic hives...I am at such a lost I dont know what to do, what to eat what not to eat....I just dont know anything, I do know I dont want to live the rest of my life itching and scraching I am going to try the green tea and change my eating habits (no dairy) and change my soap to a natural soap.    As we speak I have breakout on my arms and on my hip. I took an Allegra D today simply because bendrill  makes me sleepie and I have to work.  I really need some advice on how to maybe control this mess.....Thanks for listening

[nogossipzone]

"I did the liver cleansing diet - Dr Sandra Cabot ( borrowed the book from local library )  an Australian doctor and NO hives or swelling since! "

louie14, can you share specifically what was part of that diet?  And WHAT was part of "slipped back into unhealthy eating habits"? What foods did you start eating again?

[nogossipzone]

on Yahoo Answers:

"On yahoo answers......

"You've got lots of good advice here and I just had to add mine because I suffer from hives-- diagnosed as 'ideopathic urticara'- for months at a time.

The best advice my dermatologist ever gave me: Don't scratch. When you scratch your cells burst and release histamines... you may find yourself swollen. I have had this condition to the point of being disfigured and in the ER being pumped full of steroids.

(don't let anyone prescribe steroids to stop your reaction unless it's life threatening, this could cause a rebound effect)

My advice: Don't drive yourself insane trying to find a cause to your hives. The immune system is a mystery.

Your doctor will help you find the right histamine blocker. All those anti-histamines out there block differently... you have to experiment until one works for you. In my case, it's Allegra-- you could also try Zyrtec or Claritin. (Those are the big three used to combat hives.)

Also, use a cool pack to keep the hotspots from drving you insane. Avoid hot showers, use a bath oil after bathing and PAT dry-- do NOT rub!"

[aznqt]

I had suffered from daily hives since 2000. I had to take an antihistamine daily to control it. Went to Vietnam in 2005 and my hives completely disappeared. We never figured out why they went away, I was just glad they were gone. Well this year they came back after 5 years of being dormant. I have been doing research on the internet and found that there is a drug called PLAQUENIL that was in the malaria pills I was taking that cleared up my hives. It has a 83% success rate. I am heading back to my doc to see if I can get a prescription for this. Google it and go see what your doc thinks.

[tammy_c_brown397]

My chronic hives started on 5/13/2009, it was scary.  I had never heard of hives.  I had to go to ER.  The hives lasted till August. I really didn't think they would return.  On 5/3/2010 they came back.  I started a journat to see if pollens, grasses, trees, or weeds can be the cause.  I will also start a food journal.  The allergist I see prescribes Doxepin, I have found it to be helpful, right now I am miserable.  I feel like a whale when I bath In Epsom Salts or baking soda because I have to roll.  Thanks for letting me vent, it is so miserabe.

[nomorehives]

So glad I found this site!  I have been suffering from recurring hives for the past 4 years.  I am 34 years old.  I get them 4-6 times a year right at the start of my period.  They start with itchy eyes, lips and nose and then I get hives on my right forearm and hand and a couple on my left forearm and one on each thigh.  I always break out in the exact same spots.  In between break-outs, I have marks where the hives were that look like bruises (probably skin breakdown).  If I go several months between an outburst, they are back with a vengeance (more severe than before).  After the hives and swelling of lips and eyes go away, my skin on my lips starts to peel away and my lips are very sore-look chapped.  I have always believed that my hives were hormone related, but none of the doctors thought so.  I am going to try some of the recommendations on this site to see if any of these help me.  Thanks so much to all of you who post here-it has given me some ideas of what to try next!

[katebear]

my god, all this time i thought i was the only one. i started getting hives when i was 17. and it has never stopped. i take over 14 benadryll a day. (i know i shouldn't) i have good days and i have days i can't leave the house. i just can't wait to wake up from this nightmare...

[bevfly]

Hi i just wanted to say that i started to itch on my back one night and that was in 1995.Since then ive been taking ZIRTEC or cetirezine hydrochloride as they are known.I was diagnosed with URTICARIA which is an alergic (allergic) reaction on your skin that causes hives.Its also to do with the amount of hysthamine your body produces.I tried every anthihisthamine until i found one that was good for me.So i stuck with zirtec.I also have asthma but wasnt diagnosed with it until around6/7 yrs ago so not sure if its related but i think so.I also have allergies to pet hair,duck feathers,dust and pollen.I totally understand  how terribly bad it can be and how it affects your every day life.But finding the right medication to give you relief is vital,so for anyone who has this please try until you find one that helps you.Hope ive been any help xx

[eserg]

I have had hives for 10 months now and it has been such a hassle. My internist, dermatologist and allergist really did not do anything to help me. My allergist told me it was stress and illness, but I have not been stressed for 10 months! I ended up getting hives from chocolate, alcohol, pressure (of clothing or undergarments) and reasons unknown! The weird thing is that I was tested for chocolate and technically I am not allergic! My allergist also didn't believe I was allergic to alcohol (which has proven to be true after my personal experimentation). I have had less hives this past month and hopefully it will stay that way! I do begin teaching again in September so I hope I can begin the year hive-free! A few things that I have found helpful:

*Witch Hazel - apply on hives with a cotton ball a few times a day
*Desoximetasone Cream aka Topicor (two times a day, after witch hazel)
*Benadryl - if need be
*Zyrtec - worked wonders when I had hives over an eye and it was    swollen shut for a day and a half!

I am glad to read about the positive effect of green tea and will try that this week. Hopefully my suggestions will help someone else that is suffering!! Stay itch-free!!!

[eserg]

Okay, I got so excited about finding other people who share the same ailment that I forgot to write some other important things!!

I never mentioned that I am 24 in case that matters. I also seem to develop hives while I am sleeping, however, I have noticed that I get them less if the temperature is lower. I seem to get a lot more hives when it is hot (either on my feet from sandals or my thighs from shorts or my legs themselves), I also get hives on my wrists from a watch or bracelet if it is too hot outside. I have woken up with one or both entire ears swollen and sticking out from my head! It can be a pretty horrific sight to see! I wanted to mention that in the beginning of this everlasting breakout I was treated with prednisone, twice, however my doctors said that they were too strong to take often. The prednisone worked wonders the first time, but the second time they still persisted! I have also used Allegra and Xyzal which worked at times, but not enough to see a consistent difference. I also can't help but admit that my allergist told me that taking an antihistamine daily can cause weight loss so I try not to take anything unless it is necessary. I lost 30 pounds and do not want to gain anything back from medication when I can just as easily reduce the hives (hopefully) by natural remedies and/or changes in diet/lifestyle.

One thing that I find is weird is that whenever I have alcohol I either get hives on my legs, arms, neck, and/or face. But no matter what they are always on my legs. It seems that my legs are more prone to hives. Does this happen to anyone else? For about five months I was getting them on my face, which was not fun at work where I teach 13 year olds who already bring unnecessary attention to their teacher!!

Does anyone else get hives from alcohol? I do not drink often which is why it took me so long to figure out that that was one of the causes. I feel as though I will think of more things later, so this is it for now (thats it ? I wrote so much! ha). Please let me know if you have any other cures or advice. Good luck!!

[hivesfromhell]

Guess what??? you're not the queenofthehives. That would be me.  I've had the hives from hell for 20+ years now.  NOTHING HELPS.  All the pills mentioned, the diets, the vitamins.  NOTHING.  I have gone to allergists, dermatologist, acupuncture, health doctors,  etc.,etc., etc.
There are times when I just want to kill myself.  My eyes swell up, my lips, my scalp itches like crazy to where I want to cut my head off my body.  The only thing that helps me is Prednesone.  I know is a lethal drug, but the hives is a disease that it unbearable.  I can not function when I have them. I try to not take the Prednesone (the drug from hell)  for as long as I can, but I end up taking it every time or I can not go to work or do anything.  The hives are very debilitating.  My doctor does test me often for damages to my body from the Prednesone.  Thank God that everything is OK till now, except I have  developed severe "restless leg syndrome". I am not sure if perhaps is due to taking so much Prednesone, so I have to take "requip", which makes me really sleepy.  Chronic HIVES are the most horrible thing one could ever have.  I think sometimes I rather have cancer.  I can only pray that one day they would just go AWAY.  

[Mikki13]

I wake up every morning feeling just fine.  I get out of bed and start moving around, and within 15 minutes I develop massive hives on the sides of my thighs and hips, more on the right side than the left, exact same place on my body every time.  If I do nothing they usually go away within a couple of hours.  If I take an antihistimine, they usually go away within 30 minutes.  I have neither drank nor eaten a thing when these hives develop.  Any ideas?

[jojomos]

I've suffered from cronic (chronic) hives for over 5 years now, by keeping a journal I thought I could pin point the problem, but things that didn't affect me last week affect me this week.  It also seems that not everything makes me break out instantly, I think there is an issue in my, and maybe your, lower intstine.  If someone is allergic to say seafood, they eat it, their throat instantly shuts, the same with bee stings. Eppee pen...right.  Thats not the case here, I have read all the blogs and for some reason that the Drs aren't recognising it seems to be in the digestive track and not the adrenal gland.  Any thoughts?

[ginbook]

two things:

pink bynedril has dye in it...  They make a clear one...  I've read you can be allergic to the pink dye so if almost all of you are taking PINK benydril...  that could be a problem...  (I mention this because I juststarted getting hives recently...)  I just started taking an off brand benydryl knock- off from Fred's.  (I take one sometimes to help me sleep.)

But I also just had a hysterectomy 7 weeks ago...  thus trauma...  exposure to possible bacterial infection or something at the hospital??
not sure.

I know I am allergic to chocolate, milk and tomatoes.  But I eat them all the time anyway...  but have never gotten hives before now.  Just my allergist said I was allergic based on a blood test...

Mine are always starting up in the evening, gone by morning.

Also...  I have a sore spot on my chest that won't heal up... only about the size of a match head...   but wondering if it could be MRSA or something.  Maybe a broad-spectrum antibiotic would help.

I'm going to drink green tea, buy dye-free benydril, start back taking my vitamins, call my Gyn Dr. and get thyroid levels checked, switch to a "free" laundry detergent like Tide Free, and stop eating things I know I'm allergic to.  I really hope this does not last as long as some of yours has.  

so sorry you are having difficulties...  No one mentioned the pink dye thing.  Maybe that could help.

[holl_ballz]

I have hives to. When i moved to Alaska i picked up some kind of allergy because ever since then I get massive hives! I use to have them everyday and now after 3 years they only come one every few months but when they hit they hit hard. They usually start on my head and my forehead. Then before you know my whole body is covered. Lips almost inside out eyes swollen almost shut. You can barely see any of my skin anywhere on my body. Im not even kidding. They itch soo bad i want to kill myself. Its like they almost hurt. I can even feel the inside of my cheeks getting swollen. Someone help me! Im 21 years old. I dont want to live like this! First i thought it was my laundry soap, nope. I dont know what it is.

[benji58]

Everyone here with hives/psoriasis/eczema listen please!,

       My name is Ben and along with most of you i suffered from chronic hives for years. I was taking about 4-5 anti histamines a day (zyrtec claritin, singulair, chloratrimeton, benadryl etc), using prescribed steroid creams (which worked at first but eventually seemed to make everything worse) and any other supplement or vitamin or spray i could get my hands on. Nothing worked and in fact, my condition was slowly getting worse. Unfortunately western, modern medicine was failing me.because it was only treating the symptoms, (or suppressing the symptoms) not getting at the cause.
  I started reading about Leaky gut syndrome and the real impact your diet has on your skin. The health of the gastrointestinal tract and its implications for disease and health are far reaching, its just that modern medicine has not caught up to this fact yet. People who have suffered from hives for years don't have the luxury of waiting around for scientists to really figure out how important it is to eat more brocolli and lettuce than biscuits and jerky.
Anyway  2 months after starting my new diet and lifestyle my hives are 95% clear, I'm not taking any anti histamines or steroids and I'm thankful that there is an answer out there. I started my new diet featuring much more green leafy vegetables and alkalizing foods while combating the yeast growth in my intestine (candida overgrowth), and taking herbs and supplements that helped to heal the holes in my intestines (slippery elm and glutamine are examples). This condition is very complicated and i'm not qualified to go into it here. In fact this diet change was very hard because i liked sugary sweet stuff, fiber deficient foods, and lots of meat and basically most things that Americans think are good to eat as the majority of your diet. A great book to read is "Healing Psoriasis The Natural Alternative" by John Pagano and a good website to start learning about this is "Eczema natural healing " which is by a woman who, abandoned western medicine and got the answers for herself and healed after years of suffering from it.
   Maybe you think this is nonsense and your entitled to (at this point i don't care if you think its nonsense). I'm not a doctor or anyone professional who has a licensed opinion but i promised myself if i ever did figure it out and got cured that i would do my best to spread what worked for me. I know there are people out there who are frustrated and confused and have gotten so much bad information that they don't think the answers actually exist and everyone is just trying to make a buck off them. I was in that position too, but the answers are out there! I believe 99% of you can be cured if you have the discipline to change your diet and lifestyle. Its not easy eating lots of fruits and vegetables and cutting way down on sweets and meats. Do you really want to be cured? Do you have the willpower and discipline to try changing?Those are the questions Good Luck!
Ben

[Sancor]

I would suggest to all to try taking Moducare. Moducare is a plant sterol that balances the immune system. Google Moducare and learn more about it. I think chronic hives has something to do with the immune system. That's my gut feeling. Also, check all medications you are taking for dyes. Milk thistle is good for cleansing the liver and recommend detoxifying at least twice a year. Either a whole body cleanse or a liver cleanse.  Hives could be a over active immune system. (auto immune disorder)

[allie427]

Just checking to see if anyone who has hives has been tested for Lupus? Look it up. Any similarities? Not to alarm anyone, but maybe it isn't just hives, there's something else. I am on dy 12 of hives for the first time ever. I get hives, yes, just ot 12 days and going woth. I only ever have had it for one day. Some of you on here sound like there just may be something else going on. Just saying....

[tuxie21]

I am glad to find this board and to know that I am not alone. I have been suffering from Hives for 20 years and I have been through the whole routine....allergist, testing, oral steriods and injections, allergy shots, oral meds...EVERYTHING! What I started noticing was when I started to break out which was about a week before my period and during my period. I asked my OBGYN about this and got a crazy look from her while she was telling me that there was no connection between the two. Then in 2010 I got the Mirena IUD and all hives stopped. That means no hives from things I thought I was allergic to all these years. However while on the Mirena I had a 20lb weight gain ( no diet changes and I still exercised )so I decide to take it out....OMG my hives have come back with a furry! So I am pretty sure that my theory is correct about the connection between my hives and my hormones. I was wondering last night as lay scratching myself and not sleeping if a total hysterectomy would cure the hives for good....does anyone happen to know?

[AnnCanada]

I have had hives for 11 years. Tylenol will get rid of the itchy feeling 42 minutes after you take it so you can go to sleep.

[Janel79]

Hi I  am new to all this but have been suffering for the past 7 months with chronic hives and vasculitis  ..... along with that I was diagnosed with Lupus this past December and I have had a horrible history with my Thyroid and ovarian cysts..... so all the information I have read here has been a relief (that I am not the only one) and also sadness because all of you are suffering for so long.......Is there any hope in sight?  I have been on THe almighty steroids for over 3 years and they don't help I am on doxepin (the side effect is supposed to stop mastcell production -yeah ok) Zyrtec, Pepsid (all the goodies) but to no avail unless I get IV steroids (in a large dose 40mg or more) the hives come back each day. I recently tried the ELIMINATION DIET that did nothing and I ended up in the hospital with a UTI n yeast infection along with Thrush. So any suggestions? My nutritionist says that I REALLY should get off my Thyroid mediation because it could be the key to all my problems but I can't get a MD to work with me. All I wanna do is feel better (and stop itching..........)
Thanks for any info -i have already made a list from the info here that i am taking to my docs on friday

[soverytired468]

I started getting  hives about 2 months ago. I get them every single day, sometimes is realy bad and covers almost every part of my body and sometimes it only afects a small part like one arm or one leg. It almost always starts in the evening befor bed and i have been loosing alot of sleep.  The only thing i have found that calms it a little in smearing myself with Calamine lotion.

[janel6499]

I started getting hives almost 10 years ago during my freshman year of college. I saw a doctor at the campus clinic who told me it was from dander in my grandparents' house, which I had recently moved into. I knew this wasn't the case because I visited their house weekly my entire life and had frequently stayed overnight. I was given fexofenadine (Allegra) and the hives went away. They didn't come back for about a year or two and within the last 10 years this has been the pattern. At one point I saw an allegist who literally said, "There seems to be no rhyme or reason to why you're getting them - I wouldn't even know where to begin testing you". So she gave me Xyzal and told me to take that in addition to the Allegra. In the past, that combination worked and they had lasted more than a week or two but this time I'm going on over a month. The Allegra/Xyzal combo isn't working. I've resulted to Benadryl, but even that isn't helping much anymore. I'm very frustrated. I don't know how some of you have lasted years. I sometimes break down crying because I itch so bad. My lips swell up at times and I've gotten hives on my eyelids. It's affecting my life; I don't want to go anywhere because I'm constantly itchy. I take Benadryl (2-3 every 4-6 hours) just to get me through work, but it pretty much turns me into a zombie and I hate it.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid at age 7 (I'm 28 now) and have a routine appointment with my endocrinologist tomorrow and will definitely be talking with her about these terrible hives.

One thing that was recommended to me by a friend was to spray rubbing alcohol onto the hives. I use the 70% and it does offer some relief from the itching. I can't imagine that it is real good for the skin, but at this point I'm just content that it helps. I've also recently started going to accupuncture. I have only had 2 appointments, but it has offered some relief. The accupuncturist said I should see more relief as time goes by. She recommended coconut oil (topical or oral), but I haven't gotten to the store to pick that up yet. Also green tea - which I HATE, but I'm going to try it anyway... I'm desperate.

It's somewhat of a relief to know that others are feeling the same way. I've felt a bit alone lately - and if one more person tells me that it is stress related, I may lose it! Does anyone else feel this way?!?! If anyone out there needs to talk or anything, feel free to email me: ***@****

[janel6499]

One more thing I forgot to mention. I'm from Wisconsin and my hives seem to happen at the change of the seasons. Right now Wisconsin can't make up it's mind what it wants to do and I have a feeling that is why they have been so bad... Has anyone else had this experience?

[tuxie21]

I wanted to give an update: I have been receiving acupuncture for almost 2 months now and it has really helped with my hives. I am only having very small breakouts which do not require me to take any antihistimes! Also, I am taking some herbs she " prescribed" me which seem to help. I went into acupuncture thinking how will this help me but I can honestly say that it has helped a lot!

[db902]

For many of you here, the cause of your hives may quite possibly be due to a food additive called maltodextrin.  It's in thousands of products from snacks (such as Pringles and Doritos), frozen foods, vitamins, Splenda, and many, many other things.

Check all food labels with due diligence.  Avoid all products with maltodextrin.  If your hives go away, you can safely assume that maltodextrin is the cause of your misery.

Believe me, I know what you are going through.  I don't know if there is anyone who can help us, but I have hope.

Maltodextrin is the cause of your hives.  Avoid it all costs, and good luck to you all.

[MCJaust]

It is sad to say but finding this site with others with this horrible problem was great. I live in Australia, my urtucaria started about 40 years ago. I will have periods of years without any sign of it, however, I do have a lot of allergies and food intolerances, but you learn to live with them, right!. But this is something you can not live with. This "attack" started about 8 years ago, and I haven't been free of them completly in all that time. Now they have gone crazy, I either look like 'Daffy Duck' with swollen lips and my eyes swollen shut or like the 'Goodyear Blimp". I have recently been told to try Singulair , but have noticed many of you dont think it helps, Im praying it does some good. Do any of you have pain inside as well? I get pain from my throat down through my chest, it makes you hope it is a heart attack, because at least that will stop one way or another. The pain is unbievable, Doctors certainly dont believe it exists! I have even tried adrenalin, with some relief at least. I do take Thryoid meds as mine does not work, and had to have a complete hysterectomy at 37. So I also can relate to some of the stories there as well. Do any of you get relief from very hot baths or showers when the hives are bad? The pain seems to be when the rash isnt so noticable which is strange. Any way, here is hoping there is hope for us all, if they can go to the moon, you would think someone could find a way to help us, but they have to understand how it affects our lives first, and that is not going to happen soon!. Good luck to everyone, keep on trying!

[KAMB01]

I have been suffering with chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) since 2004 without any insight from doctors.  I have been prescribed every allergy, immune suppressant and steroid available with no relief.  They pretty much come every day but I have noticed that right before my menstrual cycle they are the worst.  The only thing I do for relief is dope up on sleep medicine and try to sleep through the discomfort.  Pressure hives has also been an issue to the point that I can't wear heals, tight pants or even cry to hard because my eyes will swell from the pressure.  It's bizarre and very frustrating.  I started an online journal of my battle with hives and if you are interested you can check it at www.***@****.  

[hivehater]

I have just started oil pulling (google for info & method) twice daily with sunflower oil my hives are pretty much gone i have only been doing it for 6 days morning and night 20 mins each and my body used to get covered in varying shapes and sizes now if i do get the odd 1 its like a pin ***** cannot recommend it enough i have had them for over a year since birth of my son also try alkalising drink 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice with 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda and half glass of water added once soda dissolved do both on an empty stomach twice a day, its inexpensive and cant do any harm to try this has been a life saver to me i was so fed up of being tired grumpy and gaining weight on antihistamines hope this can help some one.

[arineu]

I wake up in the morning and my hands r so swollen and my lip started to swell and I have hives all over. And I was just diagnosed that I was hypothyriod and doesn't even work at all could that be it??

[joeyloqiow]

Ask doctors for antibiotics... Zithromax 5day pack...
And just in case valtrex... Because shingles may appear right after.... Problem solved... Your bodies are reacting to a bacteria in your blood. And antibiotics helps.... No Allergy Meds Will HELP!

[Jak1704]

Hi, I'm new here, just to let u all know that I suffered from hives for 2 years, all over my body, from head to toes. It was just awful. But I went to a dr that he did some homeopathic remedies, but for me the most important solution was my diet. I eliminated all preservatives,and ate fresh food, no wheat,  and no milk, cheese,no wine, no onion, tomatoes as they are high in histamines. After a few years of no hives I went back to my old habits and started buying easy meals, and the hives came back, so I had to cut down some foods, but then again I got to eat all tha I was no supposed to, so now I have fibromyalgia and CFS. I will start from scratch again and see how I go.

[courtneyruss]

I'v only had hives for about a week now and reading all your coments sayin you had them for months or years I dont think I can deal with that.Just like many mine get bad at night i,v been put on prednisone and a form of relly strong bynadryl but I dont know whats worse the side affects from the pills or hive them self.I also never had high blood presure but alittle walking and im breathing hard and blood presure is up.If any one can give me adivice please also I forgot to mention just as most of you said it came a day or two before my period.

[dianatree]

Dear erriod, I do not have a cure for you but I can tell you are not alone. I have had hives since 1997. Officially chronic idiopathic urticaria with angioedema. emphasis on idiopathic!!! I have now come to believe that you and I have chronic autoimmune urticaria because they are resistant to conventional antihistamine treatment. therefore, not an allergy! I wonder if NSAIDS make your hives worse as well. Also, with this autoimmune component, any infection, trauma, or stress will bring on the hives due to immune response in overdrive. There are a few journal articles that suggest an asthma treatment has worked for this type of urticaria, but it is a subcutaneous injection and I have not broached my doctor on it. I think I will have a fight on my hands.It is called Xolair. Look it up.

[Seanson]

I, too, have been suffering from hives in the last few months. Breakouts of welts mostly on my legs and arms, but on various parts of my body, including some throat swelling and swelling in the inside of my nose. From reading this forum and many others, I believe the causes and reactions are very individual and what may work for one person may not work for another. From what I can gather, hives are a reaction to some minor to major imbalances in the body. I have been a bartender/server for years and like to indulge once in awhile and I think that is catching up with me at 47 years of age. Along with a diet that has included too much sugar, high acid foods, not enough fibre (severe constipation) and unregular eating habits (that's bar life for you!) has made my body and digestive system take a turn. Factor in some major personal stress over the years and you have a recipe for your body and mind to start freaking out. So, I've backed off on the drinking almost entirely, consume way less sugar, allow myself that morning coffee and that's it, stay away from junk/processed food off all kinds, eat on a regular schedule, incorporate more fruit and pro-biotic yogurt (a smoothie is an awesome way to start the day) eat less beef/meat, more beans,legumes and veg, whole grains, eggs here and there, and generally 'rotate' what I eat. I like tea in the afternoon, green tea daily, herbal at night. I don't drink milk and have switched to vanilla soymilk, or any other kind of milk that is not dairy. I take Cal/mag tabs, a daily vitamin and make sure I excersise and get lots of fresh air. Lots of water with or without lemon juice, flush that shite out! Generally, getting healthier, and definitely seeing results. It may take a few more months or longer, much longer, to detoxify and re-balance the liver/organs, digestive system etc, but I'm inspired and the breakouts are becoming less and less. I feel wicked, sleep better and things seem to be improving. When I do get them I find Reactine 24 hour works wonderfully with no side effects. To stop the itching rubbing baby oil and/or calamine lotion on the affected areas gives me some major relief as well. We live in fast times these days and I believe all this 'modern' living is kicking many of us in so many ways and our bodies just can't cope, thus conditions like hives, allergies, candida (a big one) etc prevail. Hope this helps anyone because I'm not used to dealing with this and it ***** big time! Help your body and then let it help you! Good luck!

[Seanson]

I, too, have been suffering from hives in the last few months. Breakouts of welts mostly on my legs and arms, but on various parts of my body, including some throat swelling and swelling in the inside of my nose. From reading this forum and many others, I believe the causes and reactions are very individual and what may work for one person may not work for another. From what I can gather, hives are a reaction to some minor to major imbalances in the body. I have been a bartender/server for years and like to indulge once in awhile and I think that is catching up with me at 47 years of age. Along with a diet that has included too much sugar, high acid foods, not enough fibre (severe constipation ) and unregular eating habits (that's bar life for you!) has made my body and digestive system take a turn. Factor in some major personal stress over the years and you have a recipe for your body and mind to start freaking out. So, I've backed off on the drinking almost entirely, consume way less sugar, allow myself that morning coffee and that's it, stay away from junk/processed food off all kinds, eat on a regular schedule, incorporate more fruit and pro-biotic yogurt (a smoothie is an awesome way to start the day) eat less beef/meat, more beans,legumes and veg, whole grains, eggs here and there, and generally 'rotate' what I eat. I like tea in the afternoon, green tea daily, herbal at night. I don't drink milk and have switched to vanilla soymilk, or any other kind of milk that is not dairy. I take Cal/mag tabs, a daily vitamin and make sure I excersise and get lots of fresh air. Lots of water with or without lemon juice, flush that shite out! Generally, getting healthier, and definitely seeing results. It may take a few more months or longer, much longer, to detoxify and re-balance the liver/organs, digestive system etc, but I'm inspired and the breakouts are becoming less and less. I feel wicked, sleep better and things seem to be improving. When I do get them I find Reactine 24 hour works wonderfully with no side effects. To stop the itching rubbing baby oil and/or calamine lotion on the affected areas gives me some major relief as well. We live in fast times these days and I believe all this 'modern' living is kicking many of us in so many ways and our bodies just can't cope, thus conditions like hives, allergies, candida (a big one) etc prevail. Hope this helps anyone because I'm not used to dealing with this and it ***** big time! Help your body and then let it help you! Good luck!

[summer08488]

LORD I THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ABNORMAL THING TO GET BUT I SEE THAT IT IS NOT I AM NEW TO THIS CLUB IF YOU WOULD CALL IT THAT I HAVE HAD HIVES FOR 4 WEEKS NOW I WENT TO THE ER 3 TIMES TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE 2 TIMES AND TO THE DERMATOLIGIST 1 TIME AND THEY ARE JUST NOW FIGURING OUT IT IS HIVES THEY WENT FROM AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER TO A FUNGUS IT HAS BEEN A ROCKY ROAD FOR ME THESE 4 WEEKS TO JUST FIND OUT IT IS HIVES THIS STUFF IS NO JOKE MINE IS VERY PAINFUL I DONT KNOW ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE BUT IT ***** I HAVE TRYED EVERYTHING AND THE HIVES MAY GO AWAY FOR A BIT BUT FIND THERE WAY BACK I HAVE HAD TO BE OUT OF WORK FOR 3 WEEKS BECAUSE THEY GOT SO BAD SO THIS IS MY INSIGHT ON THESE HORRIBLE THINGS

[mrein004]

I was born with a multitude of allergies so when I had my first outbreak of hives when I was eighteen I wasn't entirely surprised. I just assumed my boyfriend at the time had washed his sheets in tide; however, for the past two years I have lost the boyfriend but gained these unsightly welts into my almost daily life. It started off with once every two to three months and has increased to every day since November 2011. Fortunately for me my hives aren't that itchy but they do make up for it in the dramatics department. They will start out as as small a  pin ***** and eventually the masses swell, redden, and morph in with one another. I get them EVERYWHERE. I have also had it a few times where my lips and eyes have swelled. I haven't found the cause of them yet and as like everyone else on this forum I have been to at least six doctors and they all mostly say the same thing  "switch you soaps, detergents, and makeup, watch what you are eating and it could be cats or dogs". There was a period in 2011 where I was living in London and hive free for those three months. I guess I just wanted to post some suggestions my latest doctor gave me that I am about to try.

1) If you are on prednisone PLEASE do some research. Steroids are really bad for you and I usually refuse to take them (only under the worst outbreaks have I gotten the shots)
2) I have read some of the posts on this forum about green tea and when I was in London I was drinking breakfast tea daily which I had never done before. There is most likely no connection but anything is worth mentioning.
3) Also, I wasn't using and artificial sweeteners when I was overseas (again regular sugar in the tea) which seems to give some people hives.
4) There are websites who link hives to thyroid disease and lupus, check your family history
5). Try all antihistamine brands, they apparently all differ in how they block histamines so it's worth a shot.  
6) See a dermatologist AS WELL AS an allergist. Some people use off the wall treatments that work such as medications for Crohn's disease.

For the past week I have switched to Dreft (baby laundry detergent), haven't washed my hair or body with any form of soap (ya gross but trust me my alternative at the moment is much worse),and  have taken artificial sweeteners back out of my diet (only 48 hours). There has yet to be a break from the hives(I was on prednisone and benadryl for the week and I'm still breaking out) but I started Zyrtec 48 hours ago so hopefully that works. I don't want to be on medication for the rest of my life but as everyone knows hives are really debilitating and I at this point I just feel helpless.

[mrein004]

You definitely should go to an allergist and get that checked out. Most fermented foods (aka alcohol) apparently have high levels of histamines in them. I'm 22 and having a problem with hives as well, starting a histamine restricted diet today

[sharpeshick]

I've had chronics hives for 16 years.  I have a thyroid goiter, but all of my thyroid tests show in the normal range.  My autoimmune specialist is convinced the hives are related to the thryoid.  I have been on every traditional treatment....prednisone, strong antihistamines....nothing works....nothing helps with the intense itch and swelling.  I'm going to ask to go on thyroid meds....I am desperate.  I hope you don't suffer as long as I have.

[Scar757]

This thread has been very interesting as I felt as I was the only one who suffered from HIVES!! I started to get hives when I turned 13 years old, I am 30 now and still get them :( . I get hives all over. My face, eye lids, lips, ears, tongue, chest, arms , hands, waist, bottom of feet <<< which really ***** because it feels like I am walking on marbles. I have been to specialist after specialist and nothing. I was hoping eventually I "would grow out of it" but 17 years later I still get them :(  At times I wish I was "normal" but people in general have so many issues so maybe I am lucky that i got stuck with hives and not something much worse. When I do get outbreaks I take Zyrtec and Claritin and hope for the best. My outbreaks typically last 12 to 48 hrs and I cant say that they are pain full just annoying  that sometimes I am  not able to go to work due to the swelling that comes with my hives. I f anybody knows something that I don't PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!!. I have tried the whole diet thing and record keeping, but will now try drinking more Green Tea as I saw a few post stating that it helps. Well I hope if you suffer from hives you find out what the triggers are, take care and God Bless YOU!!

[Txdicey]

I have had hives for 6 years now and last October found out my disease has a name chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). I have been on Zyrtec for years even when you had to have a prescription. I have been on all types of steroids and in the emergency room numerous times. I would also get the pressure hives that got as big as big around as baseballs and about an inch high. My doctor sent me to an allergist and I agreed to go on the trail study of Xolair.  It works.!!!   I will continue my trial and the see what I can do to get Genetech pick me up so I can continue in my medication as my insurance will not cover as it is considered experimental and investigational. I will continue to find ways to say on the Xolair. Long use of steroids have very severe side effects and do not last long.  However with Xolair it is only one shot a month.  I would suggest anyone to see if they could get into a study and we all stand up and fight together to get the treatment that is working for so many people to get approved for CIU as well as people with severe asthma.  

[Txdicey]

I am on the Xolair study and it is awesome.  Get my injections once a month and no hives. No itching.  No missing work. Can wear shorts sleeves and try to cover my body completely because of the embarrassment.  

[scratchy1967]

I read most of these comments but didn't see the horrible experience that happened to me. When I started breaking out almost four months ago after taking mobic for tennis elbow, I went to a dermatologist (a very young PA saw me) numerous times. At first she diagnosed it as an "allergic reaction" with no allergy tests ordered. She gave me some kind of strong steroid foam that severely dried my skin out so bad that it felt like I was on fire every time I moved. I looked like a burn victim and couldn't stand to be touched. A shower was excruciating pain.
A few visits later she told me I had scabies! I was treated with heartworm medicine that we give our dogs twice and a permethrin cream twice with no change in condition. She gave me prednisone as well as a shot of some steroid. She did a biopsy with no definite results. When I kept giving money to the dermatologist's PA with no results, I went to the Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor who also allergy tests. He ordered many, many blood tests and laughed at the scabies diagnosis. The ENT doc diagnosed me with the idiopathic urticaria and referred me to another allergy specialist. The blood tests showed a slight allergic reaction to Orris Root which is in makeups, perfumes, etc...as well as some anti-inflammatory medicines. I have been on prednisone for most of the last three and a half months and have gained a lot of weight. The specialist prescribed Xyzal, SIngulair, and kept me on the prednisone for a brief period. I have since weaned off of the prednisone a week ago. Although I am itching a little bit again, and there are some spots on my chest and neck, it is not quite as bad. I go back next week to follow up with the specialist who called me today to say that if my situation worsens, he is considering putting me on a low dose of cyclosporine which is a drug given to organ transplant patients to supress the immune system. Has anyone tried the cyclosporine?

[Casper1212]

I have struggled all my life with milder eczema other issues like hayfever and sinus. However, twice over the last 25 years I have had major flare ups which have lasted years. I am now 42. Now 20 years ago they could not really explain it other than allergies, but with this recent more severe outbreak over the past year, I have suffered with major hives/welts and rashes (chronic urticaria), dermographica, fatigue and hypos (which has now resulted in diabetes) and angiodema. It all comes down to one thing...Atopy. Atopy basically means that I am super hypersensitive to the world just like the boy in the bubble but not as bad as David was. 20 years ago they did not have a name for it and I was even told it was hypochondria. Unfortunately it cannot be cured but it can be managed. I have found after visitng numerous dermatologists and allergists and specialist physicians I have learned a little bit more and more from each. I have to avoid too much salycilate or amines in my diet as well as preservatives and food colours, do not use soap or perfumes on my skin, always put the washing on an extra rinse, avoid cats and birds, dust mites, cockroaches etc., I take a 24 hour antihistamine morning and night to ensure it always overlaps and to take one type for 4-5 days and then change it so that I do not build up a tolerance to it. Keep my body cool. Summer has been a nightmare and if I do any exercise it has to be right in front of the air conditioner and don't wear jumpers in winter, but thin layers, otherwise I break out in hives. I have to keep a steroid cream in my purse for the angiodema (as mine always starts on the skin) and an EpiPen just in case. I have found that as soon as I start to feel a tingle to take another antihistamine and use the steroid cream and this will usually stop it from flaring too severely. Angiodema does not necessarily have to have a trigger, as it is a lack of a specific protein in the cells which causes the cells to pull apart and fluid rushes in causing the swelling. Yes, I have photos of me looking like the elephant man and I have to miss out on a lot of things like foods and activity that will cause me to sweat, but I have a controlled life and a very full one. I still get a few mild rashes and welts but I get to these promptly with treatment and keep it controlled. An IgE blood test will check your overall reaction levels before you get into more controlled skin testing and don't believe people when they tell you it must be a chemical. I am mroe sensitive to natural products and alternatives than to other things. Green tea and organic will not fix everyone. In my case, fruit and vegetables high and very high in salycilates have actually given me diabetes as my body over-reacts to this and causes hypos which means I have worn out my pancreas trying to be healthy. Good luck, be persistent, and don't be dismissive of "oh that's just a rash everyone gets that".