Red welts on armpits and groin

[Kingscote11]

Hi, I am male, have somewhat sensitive skin and have been getting itchy red welts which are wide (Up to 1/2") and flat, in my armpits and groin for the last few weeks, I am not doing anything differently from before, we use the same laundry soap, eat the same, etc, They appear and then go away after a short time and new ones show up close by. They are worse when I get hot after exercise or at night, they do not itch for long but it's dificult to manage when they start itching. They do not spread far, do not have a 'Head' but are seemingly symetrical on both sides under both my arms. I used to get 'Heat lumps' when I was young, I am now late fifties and have never had this before, any ideas?
Thanks

[celebrate]

Early September my husband was treated for Cellulitis and has been on several different infections meds and also a couple of topical corit-cortisone cream to help with the itch...He then developed large blisters on his left arm and shave the area because he thought he may have a hair follical infection...his doctor then took a couple of skin biopsies and so far 1 has came in and the doctor mutter just what he that it was.  Needless to say, the new infection tablets make my husband sick...these blisters has now traveled all over his body and har...he has large grape like lumps in both arm pits and his groin area is covered with them too!  He has an appt with his doctor at 3:20 p.m.  I gave him Benedryl to control the itching and he is just miserable

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Hives result from dilation of capillaries allowing fluid to leak out into the surrounding tissue, the epidermis. They are of two types: acute and chronic(when hives persist for more than 6 weeks). The most likely triggers for acute urticaria are allergies to pets, horses, latex and foods, such as shellfish and nuts, bee or wasp stings, allergies to medicines, Viral infections, such as glandular fever and herpes, dental and sinus infections, fungal infections, blood transfusions and vaccines.

The cause of chronic urticaria is often more difficult to identify. Most cases are called chronic idiopathic urticaria, which means they're caused by the body's unexplainable development of antibodies to itself (auto-antibodies).
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Kingscote11]

Thanks for responding Doctor, I think you have hit it on the head but I am not sure why this has suddenly shown up? The last couple of days have not been so active but this has been going on for about 4 weeks now. I will keep you posted on it's duration, my wife is trying different laundry products too.
Again, thank you for your help,
Kingscote11