Hives on the Neck

Hello! For the past 4 months or so I have been getting hives on the sides of my neck. It happens almost every day or every other day. I have not changed shampoo, lotion, deodorant, laundry detergent, or anything else of that nature. I've never had allergies to mold, pollen, or any particular food in the past. It seems to have started a few months after I had some major dental work but I don't know if there's any correlation. Before that, I've never had a cavity or any other type of procedure. I also tested positive for Epstein-Barr Virus about the same time I started getting the hives. Again, I don't know if they're correlated. I am getting an allergy test in 6 days, but it would be helpful to me if I had some idea what it could be or if anyone has had a similar experience. Thanks!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You need to review this with your doctor. Epstein barr virus is known to cause a rash in 3- 15% of individuals positive  for the virus.

Taking amoxicillin or ampicillin in cases of epstein barr virus cases is also associated with a rash in larger number of patients.

This could also be unrelated to the virus.

Have you taken any antihistamine and antiallerguc medications for the hives?

It would be ebst to let the allergy specialist have a look at your lesions and then decide the probable diagnosis.

Let us know about what your doctor advises and the allergy test reports.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[Darth_Erin]

I did not take amoxicillin or anything like that for the EBV. My doctor did give me Xyzal for lightheadedness that I've been having lately and I did notice it made a difference with the hives. I have so many issues going on right now, I don't know what has to do with what. My allergy test is this Thursday and if I have any hives during the appointment, I will make sure to show them to the allergist. I am not taking the Xyzal right now since I cannot take antihistamines for 7 days before the allergy test. Thank you so much for the response and I'll update as soon as the tests are done.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Xyzal is an antihistamine medication and must have surely helped with the hives.

Let us know how the allergy test goes and what your doctor advises.

Do let us know if you have any doubts.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[Annette01]

I had hives for 1 1/2 years, and it was birth control. Hope this helps.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Annette is right. You need to check on all the medications you are taking and see if they could be the possible cause of your symptoms.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

[Darth_Erin]

I have been on birth control for over 10 years, the same one for at least 3 years. Can you just suddenly have a reaction like that? My allergy test got cancelled because I have the flu right now. So, I have to wait until it passes.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Have you got the allergy test done as yet? What do the reports say?

Yes, you could infact have an allergic reaction, suddenly to something you have been using for long. But this is seen only rarely.

How are you doing now? Have any medications been started? Kindly update us on your health and also post us if you have any doubts or queries.

Regards.

[Stbottre]

I had a hives breakout on my neck today, I tried anti histamine cream and that did very little. I was desperate and I reached for tiger balm. I used to use it for itchy mosquito bites. I put a bit all over my neck, ONLY A LITTLE! It started burning but within 5 minutes the hives had reduced considerably, the rash and redness completely GONE, I am in so much relief right now. I've never heard about anyone else trying this, but it worked for me. The burning does hurt quite a bit as it was very sensitive (i was scratching alot!) but so worth it, the itch is all gone :) I'm in the midst of exams, it's spring and so I'm in alot of stress, the smallest things set off my hives! The other day at school I sat in the first aid room for 1.5 hours holding an icepack around my neck! I should have tried the tiger balm earlier!