chronic hives

I have had a problem with hives all over my body for a month or more now. My hands start to itch first, then the bottom of my feet, then my scalp even the inside of my mouth itches sometimes. I'm a hairdresser and suspect it could be the chemicals and shampoos and products. Or  could this be a food allergy? I take a wonderful antihistamine called xyzal. It works really well but when it wears off I'm in trouble. I'm getting an allergy test soon but have to be off the antihistamine for 5 days and I'm scared about that. I get so uncomfortable. Has anyone out there ever experienced this similiar problem?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. They have a tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.

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). Double conventional doses of these non-sedating antihistamines such as Cetirizine(zyrtec), Loratadine(Claritin), Acrivastine and Fexofenadine may be needed to get symptom relief. Sedating antihistamines such as Chlorphenamine(benadryl) or Hydroxyzine are used at night to get urticaria control. Short courses of oral cortisone or steroids are taken for short periods (one to three days) to settle more severe symptoms. Application of topical steroids like dermacort is also helpful.

You may take Vitamin C along with the prescribed treatment. Vitamin C is a general anti-allergy supplement. It helps stabilize mast cells so they are less likely to release histamine.

If the symptoms do not improve,then it is essential to rule out the presence of serious illnesses of which recurring hives can be a symptom. Examples are hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, lymphomas, collagen vascular diseases, and cancers of the rectum, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/urticaria.html

Pls take the appointment of an allergy specialist and get yourself thoroughly examined if the symptoms become severe.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted on how you are doing.