Hives won't go away...

Hello,
I have a history of hives and hay fever since I was young.  I usually take a zyrtec once a day and benadryl at night if I have a flare up.  I recently had an outbreak of hives only on my hands.  They itched like crazy and were all different sizes. The zyrtec took the itch away so it doesn't bother me at all but they are a bit uncomfortable.  It's been almost two weeks and my hives are still there. What could cause this, especially since it doesn't itch anymore?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.

The mainstay of treatment of hives is antihistamine which may be necessary for prolonged periods (in excess of 6 weeks).Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms.
You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement.Also apply calamine lotion on the hands.

If the symptoms persist, then you can consult an immunologist. He may start with immunosuppressive drugs.

If the hives don’t go after 6 wks of treatment also, then it can be a case of chronic urticaria which needs further evaluation as it may be due to auto antibodies.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.

[tinkershop34]

I have had allergies to alot of medication and foods and outside inside allergens. I have been like this for so long i have used steriods and lotion and everything. I need help. I get short of bereth and this is bad. I thought it was from my clothes no its not. so what do i do. There rased and hurt like prikily heat.