stress related hives

I have had a problem with hives for almost a year now. I was getting them at night and over the past 6 months have gotten them at all times of the day. I have not changed eating habits, laundry products, soaps. I have even gotten them while swimming. I have a picture of them on my back, but get them all over my body except my face and genetalia. Any help woul be much appreciated. I have been keeping them somewhat under control with benadryl, but it makes me to groggy the next day . So i have to use it sparingly. One physician told me to reduce stress....yea right..I'm stressed cause i dont know how to get rid of theses damn things.They look like strings under my skin sometimes have bumps along the strings.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

To combat the severe dryness associated with eczema, a high-quality, dermatologist approved moisturizer should be used daily. Moisturizers should not have any ingredients that may further aggravate the condition. Moisturizers are especially effective if applied within 5-10 minutes after bathing.

Most commercial soaps wash away the oils produced by the skin that normally serve to prevent drying. Using a soap substitute such as aqueous cream helps keep the skin moisturized. A non-soap cleanser can be purchased usually at a local drug store. Showers should be kept short and at a lukewarm/moderate temperature.

If moisturizers on their own don't help and the eczema is severe, a doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments, creams, or injections. Corticosteroids have traditionally been considered the most effective method of treating severe eczema. Disadvantages of using steroid creams include stretch marks and thinning of the skin. Higher-potency steroid creams must not be used on the face or other areas where the skin is naturally thin; usually a lower-potency steroid is prescribed for sensitive areas. If the eczema is especially severe, a doctor may prescribe prednisone or administer a shot of cortisone or triamcinolone If the eczema is mild, over-the-counter hydrocortisone can be purchased at the local drugstore.

If complications include infections (often of Staphylococcus aureus), antibiotics may be employed.

The immunosuppressant Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used as a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis instead of traditional steroid creams. However, there can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such as intense stinging or burning.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atopic_dermatitis

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Regards.