Rash, Hives, Lyme Disease???

[cj333]

I've had a recurring rash or hives for over 10 weeks.  It started out as localized itchy bumps, resembling insect bites, usually two at a time, on my tricep area and upper arm near the elbow.  This occurred on both arms, and then once on my neck, which induced me to see a doctor.  The ones on my neck and occassionally others grew to about two inches in diameter which were hard underneath and raised on top, red and very itchy.  The inflammation would last for a few days.  All of the bumps last for weeks and seem to be replaced by new ones when the old ones go away in close proximity to the old ones.

The doctor did a biopsy which showed nothing.  A blood test was inconclusive for anything.  The doctor said it may be a remote possiblity to be Lyme Disease, but I'm not a good candidate not having been near an infectious tick area (live in suburbs, no pets, etc.).  Said it may be just hives with no known cause or stress, but I'm not buying it.  I've never been allergic to anything.  These are not insect bites.

Now the bumps appear on my wrist area, again looking like insect bites but lasting way too long, also on my hands on the lower thumb area and sometimes on my legs and upper arms.  A few still get inflammed here and there.  Very annoying!  

I'm aware of no other symptoms but for the rash/hives.  I've heard Lyme Disease is very hard to diagnose, even with blood tests and the physical manifestations vary greatly.  The doctor prescribed anti-histamines but I really don't want to take them just to cover up the problem. I've used prescription creams (steroids), which did nothing.

Any ideas/insight would be greatly appreciated!

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Do try the anti-histamines first and see if the symptoms suside.
Allergy can start at any time in a person,s life. In many instances the cause may remain unknown.
Hives can appear anywhere on the body, cropping up either in one small area or covering large patches of skin. They most often occur as part of an allergic reaction. No one lesion lasts more than 24 hours, but new ones may continue to appear until the condition resolves.
Potential triggers include physical exertion or exercise, stress, illness, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, and pressure from materials rubbing against the skin.
Foods (commonly eggs, shellfish, nuts, berries, dyes, or other additives)
•Drugs (any drug can touch off an allergic reaction, although allergies to penicillin, sulfa, and aspirin are especially common)
•Pollens and plants (nettles, poison ivy, poison oak, and so on).
If there is no improvement ina wek to 10 days then you can think of getting yourself investigated further.

[cj333]

Thank your for the input.  These "lesions" (any discernable "hive") last for at least a week and generally longer, that's why I'm thinking it's not your average hive.  Thoughts?

[Cecilia168]

I have had the same problem!  The hives have broken out two years in a row, around the same time of year, but I don't think it's an issue of seasonal allergies - the stress level has been about the same both times.  I'm suspecting lyme disease now, after thinking that it was food allergies for a long time.  Turns out that lyme disease can also cause gluten intolerance, which I have, but I don't think I've eaten any gluten lately.  What did you find out about your hives?

[KJH234]

Doesn't sound like Lyme's at all. It is hard to diagnose. My brother has chronic lymes and most of those symptoms are arthritis like and similar to chronic fatigue. The lymes rash is quick, just after the bite and very distinct. So, if it helps, I think you can definitely rule that one out