Ten Months of Daily Hives

My healthy, active,  65-year old mother-in-law has been plagued by daily hives for the past ten months.  They are getting progressively worse.  She has seen several Doctors (Allergist, Dermatologists) for her condition.  She has been tested for allergies (none), thyroid (good), the only thing her blood work showed was too much antibody for mono (she never knew she had it) and was told by the Allergist that when the antibodies subsided that the hives would leave.  That was a few months ago and they continue, and are worsening.  There is no part of her body that isn't covered by these hives daily, and the poor thing is miserable.  Constant application of cortisone creams helps somewhat, not much.  She was recently given Prednisone and it did not help either!  Where can she go from here?  Is there a method for systematically eliminating foods/possible environmental culprits that she could try?  Can you think of anything that could give the poor woman some, even temporary, relief from the constant itching?  These hives range in size from small to several inches each, random shapes, she easily can have a hundred of these covering her body at times.  She said heat makes them worse, and they are worse in places that are always covered with clothing.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Chronic urticaria (hives) are a difficult and frustrating condition.  Despite their reputation for being allergic, hives rarely are, food allergy included.  Many studies have shown that testing, blood allergy, or other, rarely shows anything relevant.

There is no magic bullet for these hives.  Prednisone is not useful, as you've seen.  Combinations of antihistamines are usually tried, until one is found that at least suppresses the hives so the patient can be comfortable.  Even after all these months, your mother-in-law should know that the hives may disappear on their own.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff