Red welts & very itchy

For the last 3 or 4 years I have been breaking out with large itchy welts, that, if itched grow bigger, leaving the skin very sensitive to touch for several days - and can bleed quite easily thereafter.  These are generally on my arms but can also be on my back, neck, upper torso.  As well, I get a very itchy scalp (uncontrollably itchy) and occasional tingling around my mouth & lips.  I have checked my diet for allergies etc - but all seems ok there.
Lately, I have been taking 1/2 antihistamine every second day to keep it under control - but have seen no reduction in the symptoms.
Could you please explain what this could be and whether I am doing the right thing.  A recent trip to a Dr explaining these symptoms gave me no insight or assistance at all!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You seem to be having chronic hives. It is defined as urticaria that persists for longer than 6 weeks. In most of the cases of chronic urticaria, the underlying pathology is idiopathic i.e it is not linked to any cause. 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. Chronic infections such as chronic sinusitis can be associated with urticaria.

I feel that you should find out the cause of your chronic urticaria by ruling out the various conditions causing it.Pls consult an allergist for this.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.