Hives

[Jeanne]

Hello:

I have recently seen my dermatologist for a case of hives.  It started approx. 9 weeks ago after Strep Throat and Keflex. My  palms became inflamed and peeled and soles had little blisters and peeled. Then I noticed I had severe itching, stinging on my scalp, then general body which over the next few days progressed to hives. Blood labs and sed rate normal. He said I had dermatographism and probably always had it but became more noticable to me because of the hives.  He felt as though the palms and soles of my feet peeling were related to the Strep Throat.  As for the hives advised me to stop using dryer sheets and gave me Claritin.  Ten days later itching has quieted, hives still popping out though.  I experieced a similar problem with hives only in the Spring/Summer a few years ago which lasted a few months.  Could this have to do with pollen perhaps?  Any suggestions!  I am forty years old and taking no other medications and live in the Boston area.

Thank you kindly,

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jeanne:

Hives pop up and subside, mostly for no specific reason.  They often appear at widely-spaced intervals measured in years, as yours have.  I suggest using the Claritin to help suppress them and just ride them out until they disappear, which they almost certainly will.  Chances are, they aren't related to pollen or other allergens in any meaningful or useful way.

Your dermatologist's suggestion that the palsm rash is strep-related sounds right.

And it's OK to stay around Boston . . .

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

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