As I am setting here typing this question this evening, I have just taken my second Benadryl . This itching and hives have been going on for almost two years. I am a nurse, I have done some research and I do not know myself what is causing all of this. I am a 8 year cancer survivor of NHL having been treated with RCHOP and radiation. I found out that a year after my cancer, I developed Hoshimoto's disease. I was treated with Synthyroid. I was diagnosed by my PCP first with then a referral to Endo. After a year under Endo and remaining stable for a year, I was sent back to my PCP for regular treatment and med refills and lab checks. About two years ago, I developed this sensation as if someone put a red hot poker to my back, and within minutes I am covered in hives and I am violently itching. The pain subsides after the breakout, but the hives and itching are unbearable until Benadryl, 50 mg. to finally make it stop or subside. Well, for a year, I tried to watch what I eat, watch lotions, laundry detergent, what I ate, where I went, etc. I told my PCP about it several times, so a referral to an allergist, I knew he would have the answer. Well, a funny thing, I was told to stop any allergy meds a week prior to my visit. I started breaking out, all over and by the time the allergist got in the room, I had just about climbed the walls, it was so bad I was starting to remove clothing. He said as he looked at it:" this is not caused from allergies, this is auto-immune response to something that is going on." I elaborated on my cancer and my thyroid and he ran some tests but it all came back insignificant. He told me that he could not do anything and that maybe I should go back and see my oncologist. So my oncologist ran a PET scan and I am still cancer free and he thought the itching and hives maybe related to something different. I have since gone back to my PCP and she does not know what to do either. I never know when these attacks are going to happen. I am a nurse in a large doctor's office and one day I started breaking out there and my provider gave me an injection of dexamethasone. These injections now, have come twice and she has been able to look at this rash and she does not know what to think. I have been tested for lupus, for that's what all of them have come up with, but the test has come back neg. I feel like I have bought stock in Benadryl. I take a daily antihistamine, I switch from Allegra to Claritin. I have not tried the Zantac, but this condition is miserable. I started tonight again after I got home . Nothing specific triggers it. It starts the same every time, a burning sensation, then this horrible itching and rash. I just don't know where to go from here. I did not know that my thyroid might cause this condition. I have had several ultrasounds and I have thyroid nodules but the Endo thinks they are too small to biopsy. I just want rid of whatever is causing this. I would love some opinions, My levels have been good, recently moved up to 100mcg because of my high intolerance to cold. I am having labs drawn this week, any that anyone can give me an idea about what I might need drawn? I am truly greatful for anyone that might be able to help give me some answers. I don't even know what kind of doctor to see that might be able to help. Thank you, I am, Itchy in Tennessee!