Urticaria (hives) went and came back

I got hives in 2000.  It was ALL over my body.  Summer in Arizona was unbearable; sweating, pool chlorine, spas, jacuzzis, wajing up with huge hives on my face, arms, back and chest.  Then as the day progressed, thighs, knees, legs.  I was a mental wreck with scratching and wearing nothing but a loose soft nightgown.  I was given steroids and rash/hives went away.  Then they came back.  I was allergy tested - allergic to everything.  I took 5 (or so) different medicines including metheltrexate.  That DIDN'T work - nothing did.  I have a horrible disc problem  and took hydrocodone.  I took my self off them and hives went away for 4 years.  Now they are back, but minimally.  It itches like the devil, but so far no huge raised hives.  Just spots that are in my eyebrows, arms, hands, and knee and thighs.  I've only had 1 raised spot.  But I am back to the doctors (new ones).

Doctor recommended XYZAL.  But I went to Pharmacy and the price is HUGE.  Pharmacist said that Claranix and ZERTEC are in the same family.  I got a shot of dermacort (Prednisone) today and bought Claranix .  Waiting for allergy Doc. appointment.  Last time I went to allergist, I succumbed  to getting allergy drops (like shots, only drops under the tongue).  I did that for 2 years.  Didn't help.  Didn't help stress, heat, chemicals,  etc.  Any thoughts out there in "hive land"?

Hope to hear from you.

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     Yes xyzal, clarinix and Zyrtec all are useful in treating allergic reactions like hives and provide immediate symptomatic relief and not letting them progress further. Cause for occurrence of hives is not found in many cases and is thought to be idiopathic, in such cases only measures for minimizing an attack are useful in tackling the situation as cause is not found. I would recommend to use Zyrtec which is available OTC for treating hives. Best.

[maryinlouisville761]

I developed hives about 4 months ago.  They have been severe for the last eight weeks.  NOTHING works to control the itching except Calamine lotion.  It provides the only relief and that is temporary at best.  Between the allergist and two dermatologists I've tried just about everything.   The itching is driving me nuts!  Any suggestions?  

Mary in Louisville

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
     As, mentioned in the previous post hives can be idiopathic in origin, but in some cases allergy plays a role in it’s occurrence. They can also occur due to dry skin, exposure to heat, sun or extreme cold, anxiety, nervousness, stress, scratching or rubbing of skin etc. You need to check for the above mentioned possibilities and get tested for allergies. For temporary relief you can use OTC antihistamines, benadryl, applying ice, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, hot baths, wearing tight clothes etc. Inspite of these measures if hives are not controlled then epinephrine or steroids are used for treating severe hives. Hope this helps. Best.