Hives daily for 15 years

I have experienced hives daily, sometimes localized and sometimes spreading over my entire body, for the last 15 years. I have tried every antihistimine in various combinations and nothing seems to work. The worst part is not the horrible itching but the effect the histamine has on the brain, i.e., dizziness, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate. I have been to allergists with no relief.

I did have several episodes as a child with a significant episode where my entire body was covered and my blood pressure fell to a dangerous level.. I was hospitalized on that occasion. I did have rheumatice fever as a child, and during my teen years any hives seemed to concentrate on a joint. But these episodes were sporadic.

I do have a positive ANA of 360. Now my 29-year-old daughter is experiencing hives and has an ANA of 360! Can you give a clue as to where to turn. We have been told that it is not Lupus.

My question for you is should we just ignore this and continue to live with it or should we be concerned. I have read something about mast cells? Can you tell me about this? Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Mahatable:

Chronic hives are perhaps the most frustrating condition in ordinary dermatology.  Tests to define cause are almost always useless.  The role of mast cells, which contain histamine and other tich-producing chemicals, is unclear.  

Most hives are not hereditary.  You should therefore not assume that your daughter will have them chronically as you do.  By the way, an ANA of 360 is not very impressive, and probably emans nothing at all in either of you, though you should check with your physicians to confirm that judgment.

I cannot make much sense of your symptoms of dizziness, hyperactivity, etc.  Corrleating them with hives seems dubious to me.  If I were you, I would investigate them on their own terms.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff