Hives for unknown reason

[BrittanyFre]

So, a little over a week ago I began having hive outbreaks. The first one was a minor one on my forehead that went away quickly. The next was on Sunday and was a major outbreak, all over my body. Steroids and antihistamine cleared it up however, but I had another small outbreak on Wednesday. I took more medicine and was fine. Friday I had a few hives on my legs and feet but it never spread until that evening. Once again medicine cleared it up. I went two days and thought that maybe it was the end, but had another outbreak last night around 3 am. They are the worst around my scalp and neck, but i have no other symptoms. I thought that it was because of baby powder because I used the powder for the first time the night before my 1st and 2nd outbreaks. Another pattern I have noticed is the outbreaks are usually the day after I shower, but I have not used anything new other than the powder. Also when in the shower I now develop a red rash on my legs that goes away upon leaving the shower. I am studying abroad in Ireland so I really can't afford to go to the doctor. The only other cause I can think of is possibly outdoor allergens, as I have terrible allergies at home in the US in the spring (sinuses, itchy eyes) and I have had slightly itchy eyes as well as some sneezing. I'm leaving for vacation in Spain in a week and I really don't want to deal with this, any ideas about what it could be?!? Help!

[SPOAKCO]

The best thing to do is to keep a log.  My son had a problem in the shower as well.  After logging we found out a new ingredient was in the shampoo that bothered him.  Keep note of anything that has changed with your products and go from there.  The log helps keep you on track.  Good Luck!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, understand your predicament. It is difficult if we have allergic reactions to environmental factors like water, as they are difficult to avoid. Water urticaria, also known as aquagenic urticaria and aquagenous urticaria, is an extremely rare form of physical urticaria. It is sometimes described as an allergy. In affected persons, water on the skin causes hives to appear within 15 minutes and last for up to two hours. Water contact can cause aquagenic urticaria, presumably due to chlorine or some other trace chemical in the water, hence you don't exhibit reactions to distilled water. The reaction can usually be controlled with epinephrine, antihistamines, or cortisone-like drugs. Itching can be controlled with cold packs or commercial topical agents that contain menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, aloe, antihistamines, or cortisone preparations. Regards.