pins and needles

[precious17]

Problem started about 2 months ago when I was sitting out in the sun in Florida.  After a week or so, I developed hives out of the blue one night before going to bed.  They come and go mostly on my upper arms and chest, where ever I was exposed to the sun, I have tried my best to stay out of the sun now but at night when I go to bed the itching, pins and needles, stinging starts up and keeps me awake.  Benedryl doesent really even help.  I do take St Johns Wort and wonder if it is the culprit.  Bottom line, How long is this going to last, rash doesn't even have to be there for the itch to start up.


This discussion is related to Sun Poisoning.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Hives are basically raised, itchy lesions on the surface of the skin caused by allergy to any substance. This happens when the body encounters a substance that it is allergic or sensitive to, and releases histamines and other chemicals. With hives, the center of the welt blanches, or turns white, when pressed.

Most cases of Hives reveal no apparent cause for the sudden sensitivity revealed.
It is estimated that up to 70% of hives go undiagnosed as to the cause, because they can appear hours after exposure to the irritant. Also approximately 20% of people will have hives at some point in their lives. If you have a genetic tendency to allergies or food sensitivities, chances are that you may develop hives sometime.

Substances which trigger hives can come from many different sources. Inhaled, consumed or contacted materials may trigger Hives,  including medicine, food, contact irritants, infection or illness, environment and stress.

There are several other physical causes of hives, or uticaria, as doctors call them. In your case this could be the Sun and this condition may be called Solar urticaria. Others include cold uticaria, which are hives caused by contact with cold water or air. Dermatographia is a more rare cause of hives, affecting only 5% of people.

Chronic uticaria should be investigated by your physician.Also complications of hives can include anaphylaxis, which is a swollen airway. This can be the result of a serious allergy and should be treated immediately. Symptoms of a serious reaction include tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue or face, wheezing and loss of consciousness.

You may take antihistamine and try and find out the possible causes which may be causing the lesions. Avoiding such substances may also be helpful. There is no way of predicting ho long this may last.

Let me know if you may need any more help.

Best regards