swollen and itchy hands,

6 days ago I awoke during the night with very itchy hands - took 2 antihistamines and awoke the next day still swollen and ithcy.  By the afternoon may hands were very swollen - that bad that blisters were forming on fingers and I couldn't use hands.  Went to night doctor and told just to take antihis... and should be ok.   Next day I was worse so went to another GP and he took a blood test and put me on quarterzone tablets for now.  Still waiting on blood test!  Now six days and swelling has gone down mostly but I stillhave very itchy hands, head... and lots of red marks over body similar to hives.  Big ones and small ones.  
I have never been alergic (allergic) to anything, eat well.  What is happening???

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Swollen and itchy hands can be due to allergic reaction or contact dermatitis. You can apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl can also be used. You should take a comfortably cool bath and wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. You should choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes and use a mild, unscented laundry detergent when washing clothes, towels and bedding. Please take a second opinion from a dermatologist if the symptoms persist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.